Michigan Escapes Western Michigan 13-12 After Officials Add a Final Second

A game that appeared over suddenly reopened, giving Michigan one last chance and turning a heavy favorite into the center of a stunning controversy. Michigan, ranked No. 16 in college football, opened the season with a dramatic 13–12 win over Western Michigan. The game was decided by a last-gasp pass thrown after time had expired on the scoreboard. As reported by CNN On the final play, Bryce Underwood initially missed on a 47-yard pass to J.J. Buchanan, with the ball sailing out of bounds as the scoreboard showed the game had ended. However, the officials reviewed the play and determined that one second remained when the play began. Why the officials added a second to the game Western Michigan's players had already begun celebrating what would have been a stunning victory. The television replay showed that the clock had reached zero before the ball touched the receiver's hands. Despite that, the officials allowed the game to continue after reviewing the play. I had very little doubt that there was one second left. – Kyle Whittingham After play resumed, Underwood threw another deep pass. Buchanan leaped for the ball and managed to secure it in the end zone, giving Michigan the win. The play saved the favorite from one of the most embarrassing losses in program history. This is unquestionably one of those moments that will go down in the history books. – Kyle Whittingham Michigan entered the game as a heavy favorite, with bookmakers giving it a 27.5-point edge. However, Western Michigan put up a determined fight, making four field goals and forcing Michigan to turn the ball over three times. Early in the fourth quarter, Dieter Kelly converted a 39-yard field goal after a lengthy drive that lasted 13 minutes and 40 seconds and featured 20 plays. With 1:50 remaining, Underwood fumbled at Michigan's 31-yard line. Earlier, he had also thrown an interception in the first half, while two of his other passes came close to becoming similar mistakes. With 35 seconds left, Kelly made his fourth field goal to put Western Michigan ahead. Michigan needed a touchdown to snatch the victory. Western Michigan has competed in its current conference since 1962 but had never defeated a team ranked in the Associated Press top 20. Next Saturday, the team will host Monmouth, while Michigan will play No. 10 Oklahoma at home. As a result, Michigan's victory remained in the spotlight not only because of the spectacular catch, but also because of the controversial officiating decision over the final second on the clock.