Former MSU QB Rocky Lombardi Struggles in UFL Start for Michigan Panthers

Former Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi made his first UFL start for the Michigan Panthers in their season finale against the Houston Roughnecks, a game that ended in a loss. Despite a rough start including a fumble and a pick-six, Lombardi showed some resilience with a 49-yard run and helped drive the team into field goal range before being replaced in the second half. Throughout the game, he completed 8 of 18 passes for 61 yards and had 30 rushing yards, but also committed two turnovers. Lombardi, who transferred to Northern Illinois after three seasons at Michigan State and was signed by the Panthers in December following a brief stint with the Cincinnati Bengals, had primarily served as the Panthers' third-string quarterback this season. The Panthers, having already clinched a playoff spot, rested starters for this game and will next face the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL Conference Championship. Lombardi's performance leaves uncertainty about whether he will start in the upcoming high-stakes playoff game.