Michigan Survives Last-Second Hail Mary After Controversial Clock Review

Clear Facts

• Michigan narrowly defeated Western Michigan 13-12 on a controversial final-second Hail Mary touchdown after officials added one second back to the clock
• The Wolverines were 27.5-point favorites but trailed 12-7 with seconds remaining before QB Bryce Underwood’s 46-yard touchdown pass to JJ Buchanan
• Western Michigan led for much of the fourth quarter after forcing a crucial fumble from Underwood late in the game

Nineteen years after the infamous Appalachian State upset that rocked college football, Michigan came dangerously close to suffering another shocking Week 1 home loss. The Wolverines escaped with a 13-12 victory over Western Michigan on Saturday night, but only after a highly controversial clock review gave them one final chance.

Michigan entered the season opener as overwhelming 27.5-point favorites against the MAC champions. What unfolded instead was a defensive slugfest that saw the Wolverines trailing late in the fourth quarter at their own Michigan Stadium.

Quarterback Bryce Underwood opened the scoring with a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter. Western Michigan responded with two field goals before halftime, sending the teams to the locker room with Michigan clinging to a 7-6 lead.

The defensive battle continued through the third quarter with no scoring. Western Michigan then kicked their third field goal early in the fourth to take a stunning 9-7 lead over the heavily favored Wolverines.

Just when Michigan appeared poised to mount a game-winning drive, disaster struck. Western Michigan’s Joshua Franklin forced a crucial fumble from Underwood, with the Broncos recovering possession. Despite a fumble scare of their own, Western Michigan maintained control and added another field goal to extend their lead to 12-7.

With time running out and no timeouts remaining, Underwood connected with receiver Channing Goodwin near midfield. The Wolverines scrambled to the line and spiked the ball with nine seconds left.

On what appeared to be the final play, Underwood launched a deep pass that sailed out of the back of the end zone. Game over—or so it seemed.

Upon review, officials ruled that one second remained on the clock, giving Michigan another chance. The decision immediately sparked controversy and will undoubtedly fuel debate throughout the week.

Given new life, Underwood made it count. He launched a 46-yard Hail Mary that found JJ Buchanan in the end zone for the game-winning touchdown, giving Michigan a 13-12 victory.

Underwood finished with 170 passing yards and 46 rushing yards to go with his rushing touchdown. The dramatic win marks the first victory of the Kyle Whittingham era in Ann Arbor—though certainly not the dominant performance anyone anticipated.

For Western Michigan, it’s a heartbreaking defeat. The Broncos outplayed their Big Ten opponent for most of the game and deserved better than to lose on a controversial final-second sequence.

Michigan’s schedule doesn’t get any easier. The Wolverines face No. 10 Oklahoma at home on September 12 in what could be another stern test if they don’t significantly improve their performance.

This opening weekend has already delivered drama, controversy, and a reminder that nothing is guaranteed in college football. The Wolverines escaped disaster, but their performance raises serious questions heading into conference play.

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