No. 16 Michigan secured a dramatic 13-12 victory over Western Michigan on Saturday night, courtesy of a second Hail Mary pass as time expired. The Wolverines, 27 1/2-point favorites in coach Kyle Whittingham's debut, trailed 12-7 late in the fourth quarter.
Western Michigan kicker Dieter Kelly converted his fourth field goal of the game with 35 seconds remaining, giving the Broncos a 12-7 lead and seemingly sealing a historic upset. The Broncos' defense had held Michigan's offense throughout the game, forcing three turnovers and limiting scoring.
However, following Kelly's go-ahead field goal, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood attempted a deep pass. The ball was thrown as time expired, and Western Michigan players began celebrating what they believed was the game-ending defensive stop. Officials reviewed the play and determined that one second remained on the clock, a decision that reignited the contest.
Given the second chance, Underwood launched another Hail Mary pass. This time, wide receiver JJ Buchanan leaped into the end zone to make the catch for a 47-yard touchdown, lifting Michigan to a 13-12 win. "One for the history books right here," Whittingham commented after the game.
The controversial ending overshadowed a strong performance by Western Michigan, which has never defeated an opponent ranked in the top 20 of the Associated Press poll. The Broncos' offense was effective, with Kelly's four field goals accounting for all their points. Michigan's offense struggled for much of the game, with Underwood fumbling late in the fourth quarter and throwing an interception in the first half.
"There was not hooting and hollering in the locker room because we have a lot of work to do," Whittingham said, acknowledging the team's close call and areas for improvement.