The Midwest Division came down to the final weekend in 1990 but no such drama in 1991 as the Michigan Panthers clinched in Week 14. Chicago is having a fine year at 8-5-1, but will not qualify for the playoffs while Detroit and Cleveland look ahead to 1992.
Michigan Panthers (11-3) Week 13 saw Michigan lose the Battle of Detroit to the Wheels 13-12. William Mauriello had his worst game since becoming the starter, getting sacked 5 times and tossing 2 INTs as the Panthers fell behind 13-3. Mauriello tried to lead the comeback but it fell 1 point short.The Panthers defense held Detroit to minus 21 yards rushing on 22 carries.Week 14 saw the Michigan offense bounce back, though the defense was suspect. Mauriello tossed 4 TD passes and threw for 324 yards as the Panthers defeat division rival Cleveland 37-21. Walter Simmons had 162 combined yards and a TD catch while James Hillis caught 4 for 143 yards and 2 TDs to offset Cleveland's 421 total yards. The opportunistic Panthers defense intercepted 4 passes to stymie the Thunderbolts offense and send Michigan to the playoffs.
Chicago Blitz (8-5-1) Chicago defeated Cleveland 20-6 Week 13 behind Ronald Brown's 282 yards and 2 TDs. David Karim was the leading receiver with 4 catches, 126 yards and a TD. The defense intercepted 2 passes and allowed only 209 yards. Heading into Week 14's game against Portland, the Blitz already faced long playoff odds and could not afford a loss. The Storm were not accommodating as they blitzed Chicago 48-6 behind 425 yards and 5 TDs from Portland QB Oscar Willis. That loss combined with Michigan's win means Chicago will not be playing January football.
Detroit Wheels (5-9) Detroit tried to play spoiler by upsetting Michigan in Week 13 by a score of 13-12, but the loss just delayed Michigan's celebration. The Wheels running game had 4 flat tires as they averaged minus 1 yard per carry, generating negative 21 yards on 22 attempts. Detroit got out to a 13-3 lead despite that, then held off a late Michigan rally for the upset. Those running woes continued in Week 14 against Pacific Champs San Jose, as 21 rushes generated 3 feet, or 1 whole yard. The passing game and defense could not cover this time as Detroit was shutout by the SaberCats 24-0.
Cleveland Thunderbolts (4-10) Turnovers and bad defense continue to hurt Cleveland as they drop a pair of division games Weeks 13 and 14. QB Michael McGowan tossed 2 INTs against Chicago and 4 against Michigan as the Thunderbolts have now lost 3 in a row after their earlier 3 game win streak was snapped. Since both Cleveland games were divisional, they are recapped above, as the only thing worth adding is James Bull had 154 receiving yards against Michigan.
