Michigan wins 13–12 after disputed clock ruling sets up second Hail Mary
Officials ruled one second remained after Michigan’s first game-ending Hail Mary, allowing Bryce Underwood to find JJ Buchanan for the winning touchdown against Western Michigan.
No. 16 Michigan defeated Western Michigan 13–12 after a disputed clock ruling gave the Wolverines a second chance to complete a game-ending Hail Mary.
Michigan’s first attempt was ruled to have come after time expired. Officials reviewed the play and determined that one second remained, although television replays appeared to show the clock reaching zero before the ball was touched.
Bryce Underwood used the extra play to throw a 47-yard touchdown pass to JJ Buchanan, who caught the ball in the end zone to complete the comeback.
Western Michigan had led 12–10 after Dieter Kelly kicked his fourth field goal with 35 seconds remaining. The Broncos had forced three turnovers, including a late fumble by Underwood.
The result spared Michigan what could have been its biggest upset since its 2007 loss to Appalachian State. The Wolverines had entered as 27½-point favourites, while Western Michigan had never defeated an opponent ranked in the Associated Press top 20, according to ESPN.
