Defense wins championships, but offense wins divisions.The USFL's North Division title game between the Panthers and Maulers was supposed to be an old-school defensive battle, and it was for one half. Then the game opened up at a time when defenses are supposed to shine.From the second-half kickoff until the final play in overtime, it seemed as if there were two completely different teams on the field.MORE:Michigan didn't look like the group that was plagued by turnovers in the opening 30 minutes as E.J. Perry lit up the Canton sky.Pittsburgh was in control until a third- Mel Ott Jersey quarter meltdown sent them to the final 15 with a seven-point deficit.But Maulers quarterback Troy Williams would not be denied as he carried his team to a 31-27 victory and a spot in the USFL championship game.YOUR 2023 USFL NORTH DIVISION CHAMPIONS! Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) The late-game mayhem started when Pittsburgh's Chris Blewitt kicked a go-ahead 59-yard field goal. Michigan responded with a long touchdown that was initially called back for a facemask penalty but restored after review. The Maulers responded with a touchdown on fourth-and-goal with 39 seconds to play. Too much time remained, though, and Michigan drove for a game-tying field goal that forced overtime.From there, Pittsburgh regained its form and the league's top-ranked defense stopped the Panthers on both of their 2-point conversion attempts.The Maulers await the winner of Sunday's South Division title game between the Stallions and Breakers. The USFL championship game is set for July 1 in Canton.The Sporting News tracked live updates and highlights from Saturday's USFL playoff game between the Maulers and Panthers. Follow along below.1234OTFPanthers301410027Maulers37017431(All times Eastern)End of overtime: Maulers 31, Panthers 2711:37 p.m. DEFLECTED AND THIS ONE IS OVER!The Pittsburgh Maulers defeat the Michigan Panthers to advance to the USFL championship on July 1. Tremendous defense from the Maulers in overtime.THE MAULERS WIN THE NORTH IN OT USFL (@USFL) 11:36 p.m. Troy Williams calls his own number and converts the try himself! Pittsburgh needs one stop to advance to the championship game.The are 2-for-2 now!: | USFL (@USFL) 11:34 p.m. The try for Michigan is unsucce sful! Stevie Scott III loses the ball before the goal line and the Maulers can take full control now.After review, the Panthers' 2-point attempt is no good. USFL (@USFL) 11:32 p.m. Succe sful try from Pittsburgh. They put two on the board to get overtime started.The strike first USFL (@USFL) 11:31 p.m. It's an overtime shootout in Canton. Each team will get three attempts to score from two yards out. Whoever finished with more points in these three attempts will be the winner.Here are our overtime rules USFL (@USFL) End of regulation: Panthers 27, Maulers 2711:27 p.m. IT IS GOOD! Murphy ties the game as time expires and we are headed to overtime in Canton.KICK IS GOOD!!!GOING TO OVERTIME!!!! Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) 11:26 p.m. Four seconds. Michigan has marched all the way into field goal range. Cole Murphy lines up from 47 yards out.11:24 p.m. Only 12 seconds remain. Michigan is at the Pittsburgh 45 and should be able to at least attempt the tying field goal.11:23 p.m. Second charged timeout for Michigan with 21 seconds to go. The Panthers are at their own 46.Maulers 27, Panthers 2411:18 p.m. TOUCHDOWN! WILLIAMS TO ISHMAEL HYMAN FOR THE LEAD! The post route beats the defense and might send the Maulers to the championship game. 39 seconds left for Michigan's response. They have two timeouts.REVENGE TOUCHDOWN ISHMAEL HYMAN!!!!!!: | Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) 11:17 p.m. It all comes down to this. Fourth and goal from the seven with 44 seconds remaining. The Maulers have to find the end zone and they are out of timeouts. Nervous moments for the black and gold sideline.11:15 p.m. ANOTHER FLAG! A brutal false start the second from the center tonight pushes Pittsburgh back five yards.11:14 p.m. Down to the four! First and goal as the Maulers are knocking on the door.11:13 p.m. Another penalty! But this time it's a costly one on Michigan, with a pa s interference awarding the Maulers with a first down.11:12 p.m. Penalties are accumulating for the Pittsburgh offense. They face a third and forever with just over a minute to go.11:07 p.m. And there goes Groshek! The Maulers running back hauls in the pa s and takes it down to the Michigan 27 yard line.11:06 p.m. It's the two minute warning and if the last few minutes of play are any indication, this one is far from over. Buckle up.Panthers 24, Maulers 2011:01 p.m. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? A LONG TOUCHDOWN FROM PERRY TO TREY QUINN!! The play was initially called back for a facemask, but after review, the play is reversed. PANDEMONIUM IN CANTON!GOING LONG FOR THE TOUCHDOWN! Perry to to the ENDZONE!: | Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) After review, overturned the call of a face mask and the result of the play is a touchdown USFL (@USFL) Maulers 20, Panthers 1710:56 p.m. CHRIS BLEWITT FROM WAY DOWNTOWN! So much for bad special teams play, right? A 59-yarder explodes off the kicker's leg and drills it through the uprights. Pittsburgh takes the lead!FROM 59-YARDS OUT Chris Blewitt gives the the lead and makes the longest FG of the season: | USFL (@USFL) 10:54 p.m. It's getting ugly in Canton. Poor special teams play, bad decisions and questionable coaching calls are really showcasing why these teams are both 4-6.10:50 p.m. Special teams, yikes. After the fake punt, the Panthers mi s a 52-yard field goal to keep this one knotted at 17. Pittsburgh takes over on their own 42.10:42 p.m. FAKE PUNT! After a failed end-around, the Maulers try a fake punt and come up empty. Pittsburgh's decision making has left a lot to be desired tonight. If the Maulers were going for it, why not leave the offense on the field?10:40 p.m. Maulers are on the move again. It's been a seesaw contest from the second half kickoff.10:36 p.m. Nearly intercepted! Perry goes back to his first half style of play and almost turns it over again. The drive stalls anyway and Troy Williams goes back to work.10:34 p.m. That was a good drive from the Maulers, who were reeling ever since the second half kicked off. Now we'll see how Michigan answers.Panthers 17, Maulers 1710:32 p.m. TOUCHDOWN! Bailey Gaither on the jet sweep finds the end zone without any trouble. Blewitt adds the extra point and, you gue sed it, we are tied again.TOUCHDOWN BAILEY GAITHER! We are all tied up in the 4th: | Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) 10:27 p.m. Another quarter, another bad penalty from Michigan. Melvin Adon Jersey A roughing the pa ser flag sets up Pittsburgh around the 10-yard-line.10:25 p.m. If the Maulers can't figure out a way to win this game, they'll be looking back on all those first half turnovers they were unable to score off. Mike Nolan's group has really found their game since halftime.End of third quarter: Panthers 17, Maulers 1010:22 p.m. Pittsburgh is starting to find their rhythm again now. They are on the move as we head to the final quarter.10:20 p.m. The second half defensive adjustments from Michigan are working beautifully right now. Pittsburgh is on the ropes.Panthers 17, Maulers 1010:14 p.m. MOVE OVER COLLEGE WORLD SERIES! WE HAVE A HOME RUN IN CANTON! E.J. Perry goes for it all and gets it with Marcus Simms for a 72-yard highlight-reel touchdown. Extra point is good and that's an impre sive turnaround from the Panthers.72-YARD TOUCHDOWN The take the lead : | USFL (@USFL) 10:12 p.m. The Maulers drive ends with a whimper as they punt it back to Michigan.10:10 p.m. A wild sequence in Canton. It was third and long, but three penalties are called on the play. In the end, they all offset, but Michigan mi sed a huge chance for a turnover.Panthers 10, Maulers 1010:02 p.m. TOUCHDOWN! Back out of the commercial break and Perry's legs continue to reward Michigan on this drive. He scrambles up the middle and gets six up on the board. The extra point from Murphy is good and we are once again, tied.PAWS for this PERRY TOUCHDOWN! Tie game! Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) 9:58 p.m. Perry is dropping some dimes in right now. Back-to-back beauties down the sideline gives the Panthers first and goal.Hittin' our stride! Perry with back-to-back dots! Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) 9:56 p.m. Michigan is emptying the playbook on their opening drive of the second half. A scramble by Perry gets them a key first down and then a double reverse was going to work to perfection, but Walker slips settling for a two-yard lo s.9:53 p.m. Stopped! Pittsburgh gambles on fourth down, but gets stuffed by the Panthers defense. Is that the spark that gets Michigan going?Big fourth down stop! : | Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) 9:48 p.m. Second half action is underway in Canton as the Maulers offense gets us going in the final 30 minutes.9:46 p.m. Check out some of the best mic'd up moments before the second half kicks off.Sound up to hear the best Wired Up moments from the first half : | USFL (@USFL) End of first half: Maulers 10, Panthers 39:37 p.m. As expected, defenses dominated the opening 30 minutes and poor play from the offense has helped them out as well. Pittsburgh is controlling play, but still somehow only up by a touchdown. Michigan should feel lucky with the results so far.9:35 p.m. BLOCKED! Ray Horton's decision to settle for three backfired and Blewitt's attempt from 28 yards out is blocked and ends up wide of the left post. They'll get the ball to start the second half, but a mi sed opportunity to add on.DENIED Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) 9:33 p.m. A bit of a head-scratcher from Pittsburgh. They run the clock all the way down to a second on the clock to setup a field goal try. The Maulers are fine with the points to make it a two-po se sion game, it seems.9:31 p.m. HUGE catch and run from Isiah Hennie sets up the Maulers with a chance to find the end zone again.Hennie time, Hennie where hit the gas : | Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) 9:29 p.m. Some foreshadowing from Tezino after his fumble recovery?"That's what we preach is get turnovers. Obviously you see we've got two, but just be ready for more to come." caught up with after his big fumble recovery : | USFL (@USFL) 9:28 p.m. INTERCEPTED Hunter Pence Jersey ! After a promising play to open the drive, Perry forces one down to the field to Joe Walker and it's picked off by Arnold Tarpley III. Turnover No. 3 for Michigan and an awful decision from Perry. They are lucky this game is still separated by one po se sion on the scoreboard.PICKED! gets our third turnover of the half!: | Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) 9:22 p.m. Survey says, "No. No they cannot." A false start erases a field goal opportunity and the Panthers will get a chance in the hurry-up offense with just over a minute on the clock. Meanwhile, Tezino is strolling around with the turnover hammer. Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) 9:19 p.m. Two minute warning in Canton. Can the Maulers add on before the half?9:15 p.m. ANOTHER FUMBLE! Perry completes the pa s to the tight end Cole Hikutini, who promptly drops the ball while trying to regain his rooting. Pittsburgh's Kyahva Tezino scoops it up and that's the second turnover of the day for Michigan.FUMBLE! Although was ruled down, IT'S OUR BALL!: | Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) 9:09 p.m. SACK! A big play for the Michigan defense ends the drive for the Maulers and they'll have to punt. With both defenses controlling the game, neither side can afford a big deficit.9:06 p.m. Lack of discipline is hurting the Panthers so far. Another big 15-yard penalty and Pittsburgh is in busine s.9:02 p.m. Another quiet drive for Michigan ends and Pittsburgh takes over once again.8:59 p.m. As the Panthers offense goes back to work, let's take another look at the Maulers celly in the end zone. There would be more than a few 10s for those moves.The are bringing out the dance moves tonight : | USFL (@USFL) Maulers 10, Panthers 38:55 p.m. TOUCHDOWN! Garrett Groshek goes up the gut and punches one into the end zone for a Maulers touchdown. Blewitt adds the extra point and Pittsburgh grabs their first lead of the day. 10-3.TOUCHDOWN ! : | Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) 8:53 p.m. Williams to ses one over the middle on third and long, which sets up the 4th and short. The Maulers lined up to go for it, but didn't have to worry. The hard count gets Michigan to jump and it's first and goal.8:51 p.m. FUMBLE! Pittsburgh's defense does it again and gets another takeaway! Michigan has been plagued through both matchups by turnovers and now they hand the Maulers a short field to work with. First down from the Michigan 13-yard-line.Here for the forced fumble, stay for the celley : | Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) TURNOVER HAMMER Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) 8:48 p.m. Pittsburgh's second drive ends quietly too. They are forced to punt. The defenses are settling in now.8:43 p.m. Defense has been the name of the game so far, but a pa s interference penalty opens the second quarter. It was the right read from Lavonta Taylor who nearly took it the other way for six but too much contact.End Tyler Beede Jersey of first quarter: Panthers 3, Maulers 38:39 p.m. After 15 minutes, these teams are still knotted at three in what was a fast first quarter in Canton.8:35 p.m. Intentional grounding is called on Perry to set up a 3rd and 19 for Michigan on their second drive. After a good start, this is about as opposite as it gets on drive No. 2. The Panthers will be forced to punt.Panthers 3, Maulers 38:30 p.m. Like Michigan's opening drive, Pittsburgh stalls out too. Chris Blewitt trots out and knocks one through the uprights too. We are tied in Canton.Chris Blewitt's 45-yard field goal is good to even it up!: | Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) 8:26 p.m. Our first introduction to referee Bryan Banks comes just a few plays into the drive. It's a facemask penalty on Michgan and flips the field for the Maulers. They've quickly marched into Michigan territory.8:24 p.m. After a 15-play drive that melted over eight minutes off the clock, it's Troy Williams turn for Pittsburgh to lead his offense onto the field.Panthers 3, Maulers 08:21 p.m. After the Scott highlight, the drive stalls for the Panthers. They didn't pick up another yard. A sprint-out right cuts the field in half and nothing was there for Perry. Cole Murphy knocks one through the uprights to give Michigan a 3-0 lead.On the board! Murphy makes it look too easy!: | Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) 8:19 p.m. WHAT A GRAB! Stevie Scott III hauls an errant pa s in with one hand, slips through defenders and barrels his way down to the five. It's first and goal for Michigan.WHAT A CATCH! Perry to !: | Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) 8:14 p.m. Perry has his team moving down the field with ease. Only three minutes in and Michigan has driven to the Pittsburgh 37. Not a great start for a Maulers group that relies on defense.8:12 p.m. For a playoff game, attendance in Canton is definitely light. Crowd noise probably won't be an i sue tonight.8:10 p.m. And we're off in Canton. E.J. Perry leads his troops onto the field for the Panthers to get this one started.8:01 p.m. The countdown to kickoff is approaching its final minutes as Jac Collinsworth and Jason Garrett welcome us to the broadcast on NBC.7:50 p.m. Players are warming up and kick off is just around the corner in Canton.GO. TIME. Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) Time to work. Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) 7 p.m. Kickoff is still an hour away and there's plenty of time to place your bets before we get underway. Check out Sporting News' picks for tonight.6 Logan Webb Jersey :55 p.m. Each team has released their list of inactive players prior to kickoff.Today's inactives vs the Maulers: Devin Hafford CB Josh Love QB Toa Taua RB Tyree Johnson DE Terry Myrick OLB Brodarious Hamm OL Sean Pollard C Josh Babicz TE Kyle Markway TE Ethan Westbrooks DL Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) Today's inactives vs the Panthers: James Morgan QB C.J. Turner WR Duane Gary RB Tre Wortham CB Tyson Graham LB Xavier Dampeer C Tre'Quan Dorsey T Myron Cunningham T Artayvious Lynn TE Savion Williams DT Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) 6:35 p.m. Look good. Play good. Are the Maulers feeling good on this Saturday night in June?Arriving in style-Championship style Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) QB1 in the house Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) 6:30 p.m. The field is set for USFL playoff action. Take a look at the fancy end zones inside the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.The field at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium is ready for the North Division Championship Tune in tonight at 8pm ET/7pm CT on & USFL (@USFL) Date:Saturday, June 24Kickoff: 8 p.m. ETThe USFL playoff matchup between the Maulers and Panthers will kick off at 8 p.m. ET from the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.TV Channel: NBCLive stream: Peacock,Saturday's USFL playoff action between the Maulers and Panthers will be broadcast on NBC.Cord cutters can catch all the action on Peacock or.MORE:Division championshipsSaturday, June 24MatchupTime (ET)LocationTVLive streamMichigan Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Maulers8 p.m.CantonNBCPeacock,Sunday, June 25MatchupTime (ET)LocationTVLive streamNew Orleans Breakers vs. Birmingham Stallions7 p.m.BirminghamFoxSaturday, July 1MatchupTime (ET)LocationTVLive streamTBD vs. TBD8 p.m.CantonNBCPeacock,