Disputed clock ruling gives Michigan second chance to beat Western Michigan

Michigan defeated Western Michigan 13–12 after a disputed late clock ruling gave the Wolverines a second chance to win their season opener at the Big House.

Trailing 12–7 with one second remaining, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood’s first Hail Mary fell incomplete as the clock appeared to reach zero. Western Michigan players began celebrating what they believed was a historic victory.

Officials reviewed the play and restored one second, ruling that a Western Michigan defender had touched the ball while out of bounds before time expired. The Big Ten said video review showed the defender had begun his jump from an established out-of-bounds position and made contact with the ball with one second remaining.

Underwood then attempted another Hail Mary, completing the pass to JJ Buchanan for the winning touchdown. Michigan entered the game as a 27.5-point favourite.

Western Michigan and the Mid-American Conference sought clarification from the Big Ten over the replay video and the decision to place one second back on the clock. Television replays appeared to show the clock reaching zero before the ball was touched, leaving the ruling contested.

Michigan had opened the game with an 11-play, 75-yard drive capped by Underwood’s 1-yard touchdown run before struggling to establish control. The disputed decision ultimately turned a likely defeat into a 13–12 victory.