Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood threw a game-winning Hail Mary touchdown to receiver JJ Buchanan after officials placed 1 second back on the clock, giving the 16th-ranked Wolverines a 13-12 victory over Western Michigan on Saturday in Ann Arbor. The game appeared over when Underwood's first Hail Mary attempt from midfield with 9 seconds remaining sailed out of the end zone as time expired, and Western Michigan players rushed the field to celebrate. A replay review determined 1 second remained, and Underwood connected with Buchanan for the winning score.
The improbable finish capped the debut of new Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham, whose team scored on its opening drive and then went scoreless until the final play. Western Michigan took a 9-7 lead with just over 10 minutes remaining on a field goal that concluded a 20-play, 71-yard drive that consumed more than 13 minutes. The Broncos added another field goal with 35 seconds left to go ahead 12-7 after recovering a fumble by Underwood at the Michigan 31-yard line. Buchanan, a transfer from Utah who played for Whittingham there, caught more than half of Michigan's passing production before his final catch.
Western Michigan controlled the game statistically, outrushing Michigan 132-106, running 67 plays to Michigan's 48, and holding a time of possession advantage of more than 40 minutes to less than 20. The Broncos committed three turnovers to none for Western Michigan and were penalized nine times for 80 yards. Defensive end Dom Nichols recorded nine tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss for Michigan, including two sacks of Western Michigan quarterback Broc Lowry.
Michigan hosts ninth-ranked Oklahoma next Saturday. The Sooners defeated UTEP 51-0 in their opener.