The Michigan Wolverines secured a narrow 13-12 victory over the Western Michigan Broncos on September 5, 2026, following a controversial clock stoppage and subsequent replay review that added one second to the game clock. The decision allowed Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood to complete a game-winning 47-yard touchdown pass as time expired.
With Western Michigan players and fans celebrating what they believed was a monumental upset, officials initiated a review of the final play. Broadcasts showed the clock hitting triple zeros as the ball appeared to be touched by a Western Michigan defender. However, after conferring, the officials determined there was one second remaining.
"I definitely thought the game was over because there were zeroes on the clock," Underwood stated after the game. The revised clock situation provided Underwood with an opportunity to attempt a Hail Mary pass, which J.J. Buchanan successfully caught in the end zone for the decisive score.
The Big Ten Conference released a statement supporting the officials' decision. "Following video review, it was determined Western Michigan’s #18 started his jump from an established out-of-bounds position (left foot) and made contact with the ball with one second remaining on the clock," the statement read. The conference noted that a direct shot of the stadium game clock, synchronized with broadcast cameras via a strobe system 85 minutes prior to the game, was used for the review. According to NCAA Football rule 4-2-3-a, the clock stops when a ball not in player control touches an out-of-bounds player.
Mid-American Conference Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher also acknowledged the situation. "Upon the conclusion of the Western Michigan-Michigan football game, the Mid-American Conference and Western Michigan contacted the Big Ten office to seek clarification regarding the replay review and the placement of time back on the game clock," Steinbrecher said. He added that the Big Ten provided video and audio evidence confirming their explanation.
Despite the official rulings, the decision drew confusion. NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay expressed bewilderment, stating, "The ball isn't even close to touching a player when it goes to zero. Their Hawk-Eye system either had a different sync or whatever, and they came up with one second when it touched the players."
Western Michigan players were visibly dejected following the outcome. "Sick to my stomach is the way I explain my feelings about that game," said Western Michigan defensive end Dom Nichols. The Wolverines, who were 27.5-point favorites, avoided what would have been their most significant upset since losing to Appalachian State in 2007.