Michigan Escapes Western Michigan 13-12 on Disputed Final Play — SkimNews
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- Bryce Underwood connected with JJ Buchanan on a 47-yard Hail Mary touchdown as time expired, giving No. 16 Michigan a 13-12 escape of Western Michigan in coach Kyle Whittingham's debut at Michigan Stadium.
- Big Ten officials ruled there was one second remaining after a replay review, reversing what appeared to be a game-ending interception by Western Michigan's Micah Davis, whose left foot was established out of bounds when he touched the ball.
- The Big Ten released a statement two hours postgame with replay audio/video confirming the ruling, and MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said his conference and Western Michigan received the same explanation after seeking clarification.
- Michigan entered as a 27½-point favorite but nearly suffered an upset reminiscent of the 2007 Appalachian State loss, with players like defensive end Dom Nichols saying they felt 'sick to my stomach' despite the win.
- Kyle Whittingham was hired to stabilize the program after Sherrone Moore's firing and arrest, which followed Jim Harbaugh's tenure marked by a 2023 national title, a spying scandal, and NCAA sanctions.
- Michigan hosts No. 10 Oklahoma next week, and Whittingham warned, 'If we don't play a lot better, it's not going to be pretty.'
Why it matters: A 27½-point favorite nearly lost to a MAC opponent in its new coach's debut, exposing how far Michigan has fallen from its 2023 national title run and raising serious questions about the program's readiness before facing No. 10 Oklahoma next week. The controversial clock reversal — confirmed by the Big Ten with published replay evidence — adds an officiating layer that Western Michigan's conference formally contested.
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