Michigan wins 13-12 after controversial replay and last-second Hail Mary
Michigan defeated Western Michigan 13-12 after officials reinstated a final play, allowing quarterback Bryce Underwood to complete a 47-yard touchdown pass.
Michigan held off Western Michigan 13-12 on Saturday night after a replay review added one second to the clock, giving quarterback Bryce Underwood a second chance to throw a game-winning Hail Mary. Underwood connected with receiver JJ Buchanan for a 47-yard touchdown that secured the victory for the No. 16 Wolverines, who entered the game as 27½-point favorites in coach Kyle Whittingham’s debut.
Underwood said he initially believed the game was over when the clock showed zero. After officials determined a second remained, he launched another pass that Buchanan caught in the end zone.
"I definitely thought the game was over because there were zeroes on the clock," Underwood said. "One for the history books right here," coach Whittingham added.
Western Michigan had taken a 12-9 lead early in the fourth quarter on a 39-yard field goal by Dieter Kelly and forced three turnovers, including a late fumble by Underwood. The Big Ten later released the replay showing the ball was touched with one second left, invoking a rule that stops the clock on such contact. Mid-American Conference commissioner Jon Steinbrecher confirmed the conference received an explanation and video from the Big Ten.
The Broncos, defending MAC champions, have never beaten a top-20 AP-ranked team. Michigan will next host No. 10 Oklahoma, while Western Michigan hosts Monmouth.