Michigan stuns Western Michigan on Hail Mary: Controversial clock review lifts Wolverines to dramatic win

Officials restored one second to the clock after an incomplete pass, allowing Bryce Underwood to find JJ Buchanan for a 47-yard score to salvage Kyle Whittingham's debut Sep 5, 2026 at 11:02 pm ET • 1 min read Getty Images No. 16 Michigan beat Central Michigan 13-12 on a Hail Mary pass on the game's final play Saturday night after the officiating crew put one second back on the clock. JJ Buchanan reeled in the 47-yard bomb from Bryce Underwood to lift the Wolverines to a controversial victory that should leave Central Michigan and its fans fuming.The Chippewas appeared to have secured a historic upset just moments earlier when a prior Hail Mary attempt sailed out of the back of the end zone with the clock on the NBC television broadcast showing 0:00 when the play ended. However, the officiating crew went to the monitor and determined that one second remained. A historic throw and catch ensued as Michigan avoided what would have been a catastrophic beginning to the Kyle Whittingham era.