Wolverines survive Broncos on disputed replay and last-second Hail Mary
Michigan narrowly avoided a major upset, defeating Western Michigan 13-12 after a disputed replay gave them an extra play. Quarterback Bryce Underwood threw a 47-yard Hail Mary that JJ Buchanan caught for the game-winning touchdown as time expired. Despite the victory, the team showed little celebration, aware of how close they came to defeat.
The Big Ten released a statement two hours after the game, along with audio and video of the replay review, showing the clock at one second when Western Michigan's Micah Davis touched the ball from an out-of-bounds position. The conference cited a rule that halts the clock on such contact. Mid-American Conference Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher confirmed his league and school contacted the Big Ten for clarification and received a prompt explanation.
Coach Kyle Whittingham was coaching his first game at Michigan, and the narrow escape evoked memories of the program's 2007 season-opening loss to Appalachian State, when the Wolverines fell as heavy favorites. Michigan was projected to win this matchup by 27.5 points, making the near-defeat especially jarring for the home crowd.
This outcome could shape perceptions of officiating transparency in college football, as the conference's rapid release of review footage may set a precedent for how disputed calls are publicly justified. The emotional whiplash for Michigan fans—from anticipating an upset loss to celebrating a miraculous win—may influence how the team is viewed nationally, while Western Michigan's near-miss could boost its program's credibility despite the defeat.