Week 1 gets its signature moment when No. 16 Michigan beats Western Michigan on disputed finish
Officials added one second after review, and Bryce Underwood hit JJ Buchanan for a 47-yard touchdown that preserved Michigan’s 13-12 win.
- On Saturday, Michigan defeated Western Michigan 13-12 after officials controversially restored one second to the clock, allowing quarterback Bryce Underwood to connect with receiver JJ Buchanan on a 47-yard Hail Mary touchdown on the final play at Michigan Stadium.
- Western Michigan controlled the game, leading 12-7 late in the fourth quarter following a 20-play drive consuming nearly 14 minutes; the Broncos held the Wolverines to a single touchdown for nearly the entire regulation period.
- NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay questioned the decision, stating, "The ball isn't even close to touching a player when it goes to zero." Television broadcasts showed the clock hitting 0:00 before contact occurred.
- Following the victory, Michigan fans stormed the field, drawing criticism from ESPN reporter Wayne Drehs, who called the celebration "inappropriate" for a narrow home win against an underdog program.
- Coach Kyle Whittingham won his debut but acknowledged the Wolverines face "plenty of work" before hosting Oklahoma next week, entering the 2026 season 1-0 despite the controversial finish.
62 Articles
62 Articles
Underwood inconsistent against Western Michigan
In a game won by a 47-yard Hail Mary pass, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood was nowhere near the star of the show. The sophomore ended Saturday’s competition notching a mere 12 completions on 22 attempts for a total of 170 passing yards — 111 of those came in the first and last drives for the […]
“Feel So Bad for Those Kids”: Pat McAfee and CFB Greats in Shock After Controversial Referee Decision Helps Michigan Win
The Michigan Wolverines pulled off a wild win in Ann Arbor on Saturday night, September 5, 2026, but hardly anyone outside their home stadium is celebrating. Michigan managed to defeat Western Michigan 13-12 on a miraculous Hail Mary pass as time expired. But that game-ending touchdown came on an extra play granted by officials after […]
Michigan Wolverines Triumph in Controversial Finish Against Western Michigan
In a nail-biting matchup, the Michigan Wolverines narrowly defeated Western Michigan 13-12, fueled by a last-second touchdown. The ending sparked discussions about its fairness and integrity.
College Football Blue Blood Survives Upset With All-Time Controversy
The No. 16th ranked Michigan Wolverines defeated Western Michigan 13-12 on Saturday night at Michigan Stadium on a 47-yard touchdown pass from Bryce Underwood to JJ Buchanan as time expired. The play followed a replay review that restored one second after an incomplete Hail Mary on the previous snap, resulting in what is being called […]
Winnipeg Free Press
No. 16 Michigan escapes an 'epic loss' thanks to a disputed replay and a second-chance Hail Mary
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Bryce Underwood watched his pass sail out of bounds, and he thought he knew what that meant for No. 16 Michigan.
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