Miracle at Michigan Part II: Bryce Underwood Hail Mary saves Kyle Whittingham's debut
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Miracle at Michigan Part II: Bryce Underwood Hail Mary saves Kyle Whittingham's debut originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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No. 16 Michigan needed a last-second 47-yard Hail Mary from quarterback Bryce Underwood to JJ Buchanan for a 13-12 win over Western Michigan on Saturday night. Kyle Whittingham's debut couldn't have been more chaotic in Ann Arbor.
Western Michigan took a 12-9 lead from a 33-yard field goal from Dieter Kelly with 38 seconds remaining. Michigan and Underwood needed to travel the length of the field after a touchback on the ensuing kick. They did just that on a 6-play, 75-yard drive, capped off by the miraculous catch in the end zone by Buchanan.
The mind-blowing, controversial Western Michigan-Michigan finish.
Noah Eagle, Todd Blackledge, and rules analyst Terry McAulay have the commentary on the stunning scene for NBC. 🏈🦓🎙️ pic.twitter.com/n9YE3OpXde
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 6, 2026
Michigan was given a second chance after Western Michigan believed they had won the game with zeros being displayed on the clock. However, after further review, there was one second left in the game, giving Underwood another shot to have a prayer answered. The play was the opposite direction of Colorado QB Kordell Stewart finding Michael Westbrook in the end zone to shock Michigan in 1994. But it looked awfully similar to one of the greatest plays in college football history.
Like Stewart, Underwood was well beyond midfield when he launched his pass down the field. The only difference is that Buchanan was there for the reception with no tip on the play. Underwood's only touchdown was the one that mattered the most.
The Wolverines took a scare from the Broncos to start the season 1-0. Oklahoma will be up next to try and give Whittingham his first loss at Michigan. Next Saturday's Top 25 affair will be one to watch (Noon ET, FOX).
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