Michigan Escapes Western Michigan After Controversial Hail Mary

No. 16 Michigan escaped Western Michigan 13-12 in Kyle Whittingham’s debut after Bryce Underwood connected with J.J. Buchanan on a 47-yard touchdown pass with one second restored to the clock. The ruling was highly controversial because broadcast footage appeared to show the clock reaching zero before a Western Michigan defender touched Underwood’s first desperation pass, but the Big Ten said synchronized stadium-clock footage showed contact with one second remaining and cited NCAA rules supporting the decision. Western Michigan had taken a 12-7 lead and forced three turnovers while holding Michigan scoreless after its opening drive, with the Wolverines also struggling with penalties and their running game. Whittingham called the victory fortunate and said Michigan had significant work to do, while Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor said the Broncos believed the game was over but failed to defend the final play.