No. 16 Michigan Escapes Western Michigan with Controversial Last-Second Hail Mary Victory

Update: 9 September 2026, 8:26:38 AM

No. 16 Michigan narrowly avoided a massive upset on Saturday night, defeating Western Michigan 13-12 thanks to a dramatic 47-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass from Bryce Underwood to JJ Buchanan. The game-winning play occurred only after officials granted the Wolverines an unexpected second chance.

The Broncos appeared to have secured a historic victory when Underwood’s initial attempt sailed out of bounds as time expired. However, despite TV replays suggesting the clock hit zero before the ball reached a defender, officials ruled one second remained. Coach Kyle Whittingham, making his debut for the 27.5-point favorites, noted, “I was pretty sure there was 1 second left.” Following the ruling, Underwood successfully connected with Buchanan in the end zone, a moment Whittingham described as “one for the history books.”

Western Michigan, which has competed in the Mid-American Conference since 1962, has never defeated an opponent ranked in the top 20 of the Associated Press poll. The Broncos nearly broke that streak by forcing three turnovers and kicking four field goals. Dieter Kelly, a transfer from the College of San Mateo, put the visitors ahead 12-7 with a 39-yard field goal following a grueling 20-play, 13:40 drive. Kelly later added his fourth field goal with 35 seconds remaining, forcing Michigan to drive for the winning touchdown.

Underwood faced significant struggles throughout the contest, including an interception and a lost fumble at his own 31-yard line with 1:50 left on the clock. Whittingham took full responsibility for the team’s performance, stating, “This isn’t on Bryce Underwood. It’s on me.” He added that there was no celebration in the locker room, emphasizing that the team has significant work to do. The report also notes that the Wolverines were 27 1/2-point favorites in coach Kyle Whittingham’s debut. The report also notes that wMU players were already on the field celebrating when officials called for a review.

Team Outlook and Upcoming Schedule

Western Michigan: The defending MAC champions successfully retained key talent, avoiding the transfer portal, and remain strong contenders to repeat their conference success.
Michigan: While Underwood opened and closed the game with strong touchdown drives, he struggled with consistency and errors throughout the middle of the match.
Western Michigan Schedule: The Broncos are set to host Monmouth this coming Saturday.
Michigan Schedule: The Wolverines will return home to face No. 10 Oklahoma on Saturday.