The Michigan Wolverines achieved a remarkable comeback victory on Saturday night, scoring a last-second Hail Mary pass to defeat Western Michigan 12-7 and avoid what would have been one of the biggest upsets in college football history.
With time expiring in the fourth quarter and trailing by five points, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood launched a long pass from well inside his own half. In a chaotic scrum of players near the end zone, wide receiver JJ Buchanan successfully caught the ball and secured possession for a touchdown, igniting fervent celebrations among the home crowd at the Big House in Ann Arbor.
The dramatic finish came after an initial Hail Mary attempt by Underwood sailed out of bounds as the clock hit zero, leading Western Michigan players and fans to believe they had secured a monumental upset in what was coach Kyle Whittingham's debut with the Wolverines.
Following a review, television replays indicated that the clock had expired before the ball reached a Western Michigan defender. However, officials determined that a second remained on the clock, allowing for Underwood's decisive throw. The final play saw Buchanan leap to catch the pass amidst defenders and land in the end zone, securing the improbable win for Michigan.