Michigan survives Western Michigan after disputed final-second touchdown
Bryce Underwood’s 47-yard touchdown pass to JJ Buchanan secured a 13–12 win, but Michigan’s performance leaves questions before its meeting with No. 10 Oklahoma.
Michigan escaped an upset against Western Michigan when quarterback Bryce Underwood threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to JJ Buchanan on the final play, securing a 13–12 victory.
The play followed a disputed clock decision. The Big Ten said replay officials determined Western Michigan safety Micah Davis had touched the ball with one second remaining, allowing Michigan another play. Western Michigan accepted the conference’s ruling.
The result preserved head coach Kyle Whittingham’s debut, but the performance exposed significant problems. Western Michigan outgained Michigan on the ground 132–106, converted eight third downs to Michigan’s three, and Michigan finished with a minus-three turnover margin.
Michigan players described the display as troubling despite the victory. Underwood said the winning play gave the team “another opportunity” to believe and respond.
The Wolverines now face No. 10 Oklahoma, with the next game set to test whether the late escape can translate into a more reliable performance. The questions around Michigan’s execution remain after a game in which the decisive play arrived only after the team had struggled for most of the contest.
