Michigan wins after disputed clock ruling gives it a second Hail Mary
Officials restored one second after an apparently expired play, allowing Michigan to defeat Western Michigan 13–12 at the Big House.
Michigan overturned an apparent 12–7 defeat to Western Michigan after officials restored one second to the clock following a review of a Hail Mary play.
The first pass from Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood appeared to fall incomplete as the clock reached 0:00. The decision initially seemed to confirm a Western Michigan win at Michigan’s home stadium, the Big House.
Officials then ruled that one second remained, without providing a clear explanation for how the additional time had been restored. NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay expressed confusion during the broadcast, while television footage appeared to show the clock at 0:00 before the ball reached a player.
Underwood was given another chance to throw. His second pass was caught by JJ Buchanan for a disputed touchdown, completing Michigan’s 13–12 victory.
The ruling drew widespread criticism from college football media, which questioned the basis for restoring the extra second. Yahoo Sports reported that the timing of the decision remained central to the reaction surrounding the game.
