Michigan’s last-second win turns a disputed play into a sportsbook loss
A reviewed extra second gave Michigan another Hail Mary attempt against Western Michigan — and reportedly shifted BetMGM from a major winner to a loser.
Michigan defeated Western Michigan 13–12 after officials restored one second during a review of the game’s final play, overturning what had appeared to be a 12–7 upset loss.
Michigan, a 27.5-point home favourite, had scored only once before the closing seconds. Officials ruled that a Western Michigan defender touched Bryce Underwood’s incomplete Hail Mary while out of bounds, leaving one second on the clock. Underwood then connected with JJ Buchanan for the winning touchdown.
The replay decision was disputed, but Western Michigan accepted the Big Ten’s ruling and did not appeal. The outcome also had a marked effect on betting markets, according to Fox Sports’ account of the Week 1 betting recap.
BetMGM trading manager Adair Horne said the extra play changed the bookmaker’s position from a “big winner” to a loser. Horne said BetMGM took six times as many moneyline bets on Michigan as on Western Michigan, with most placed through parlays.
A Fanatics Sportsbook customer also reportedly wagered $10,000 on Michigan at +2800 in the closing seconds. The bet produced a reported $280,000 win and a total payout of $290,000.
Horne said LSU was BetMGM’s most-bet team on Saturday, while other big favourites cited as successful bets included Notre Dame against Wisconsin and Texas against Texas State.
