ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan needed a miracle and a second chance to avoid a stunning upset Saturday night, defeating Western Michigan 13-12 on a final-play Hail Mary touchdown.
The 16th-ranked Wolverines won when Bryce Underwood connected with JJ Buchanan on a 47-yard touchdown pass as time expired. The winning play came after officials reviewed the previous snap and restored one second to the clock, a ruling that sparked immediate debate.
Western Michigan controlled much of the game, forcing three turnovers and taking a 12-7 lead on four field goals from Dieter Kelly. The Broncos appeared to have secured the victory when Michigan’s initial Hail Mary attempt fell incomplete as the clock reached zero, but the replay review gave the Wolverines one final opportunity.
Michigan capitalized on that opportunity as Underwood found Buchanan in the end zone for the game-winning score. The Big Ten later backed the ruling, while questions about the review remained a major talking point following the game. Michigan escaped with the victory, while Western Michigan left Ann Arbor after coming within a single play of a historic upset.
