Hail Mary, Full of Chaos!!
#16 Michigan Escapes Western Michigan With a Wild Walk-Off Touchdown!
What a wild ending! Drama, check. Controversy, check. You just know we got to talk about this one.
#16 Michigan starts their 2026 campaign at Michigan Stadium with, as usual, an electric crowd behind them. With the spread settling around 27.5 in favor of Michigan, they were determined to protect their home turf. Well, Western Michigan had other plans.
The first half started as a defensive battle with Western Michigan impressing by having their defense limit production out of a Michigan offense led by QB Bryce Underwood. The second half was the same story as Michigan fails to put together any efficient offensive production. Queue in the chaos. With 38 seconds left in the game, Western Michigan capitalizes on field position with a FG to take a 12-7 lead. Michigan now, at home and as 27.5 point favorites, look like they are going to let their faithful’s down with a week 1 loss. 35 seconds left, 75-yards stands between Michigan and a win. This final drive starts grim with two incomplete passes from Underwood to drain the clock down to 26 seconds. WR JJ Buchanan steps up with a massive 28-yard catch to put Michigan at Western Michigan’s 47-yard line. Spike ball, 9 seconds left. Now the make or break moment for Underwood and a drained Michigan team. Hike, toss, pray. Underwood lets off a rocket to the endzone only to come up short as Western Michigan’s defense makes the stop to win the game 12-7. They storm the field to celebrate their massive victory. Wait, what’s happening? Play is under review. In the most controversial call of the early season, the refs rule that there is one-second left on the clock. Michigan gets another chance, another prayer. Hike, toss, pray. This time, in an absolutely chaotic finish, Buchanan comes up clutch yet again with the 47-yard hail Mary touchdown catch to end the game. Michigan’s prayers are answered! They survive week 1 with a 13-12 win.
Key Stats/Leaders
Michigan QB Bryce Underwood (12-22, 170 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 9 Carries, 47 Yards, 1 Rushing TD)
Michigan WR JJ Buchanan (6 Receptions, 126 Yards, 1 Game Winning TD)
Western Michigan K Dieter Kelly (4-4 on FGs; Accounted for all Western Michigan’s Points)
What’s Next?
Michigan stays home but danger is incoming. Looking for a better showing they take on a ranked Oklahoma team
After a devastating loss, Western Michigan returns home looking for a win as they take on Monmouth