‘Nothing to Be Proud Of,’ ‘Not a Blue Blood’ — CFB World Destroys Michigan Fans for Storming Field After Controversial Win vs. Western Michigan
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Michigan entered its game against Western Michigan as a heavy favorite, but the Wolverines barely escaped with a controversial 13-12 win. Despite the tense finish, the narrow win gave Michigan fans plenty to celebrate as they stormed the field, but that jubilation did not sit well with the college football world.
Michigan Fans Face Backlash for Storming Field
Western Michigan appeared to have completed the upset when Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood’s first Hail Mary fell incomplete as the clock expired.
However, officials initiated a review, and the NBC’s broadcast replay showed the game clock reaching 0:00 before the ball made contact with a Western Michigan defender.
Officials determined that one second remained on the clock, and that ruling gave Michigan another opportunity, with Underwood taking advantage. On the final play, he connected with JJ Buchanan for the game-winning touchdown, allowing the Wolverines to escape with a dramatic win.
The win helped Michigan avoid a disastrous result in Kyle Whittingham’s debut as head coach, but the controversial clock decision is likely to remain a major talking point.
Rules analyst Terry McAulay also could not provide a definitive explanation for why officials put a second back on the clock.
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Meanwhile, Michigan fans stormed the field following the victory, despite the opponent being Western Michigan, a MAC program. The decision sparked criticism across social media.
“Every single fan who stormed the field deserves to be banned for life from all games from now on. There is nothing to be proud of,” one person wrote.
“They stormed the field. ☠️☠️☠️,” senior NFL reporter Albert Breer wrote.
“They stormed the field vs Western Michigan…,” former NFL QB Chase Daniel remarked.
“We just rushed the field vs Western Michigan. I’m happy, but [expletive],” Michigan alum and Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Maurice Hurst wrote.
The reaction was interesting because Michigan fans had spent much of the game watching their team appear on the verge of suffering its first loss to a MAC opponent since 2008.
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However, after escaping with the victory, the celebration turned into another source of controversy, especially with much tougher opponents still ahead on the schedule.
“They stormed the field for “beating” Western Michigan. This is NOT a blue blood,” SEC Numbers Guy wrote.
“Let this day be remembered for all time as the one Michigan fans *stormed the field* after beating MAC Western Michigan on one of the most blatant ref [expletive] in college football history,” one wrote.
“Storming the field against Western Michigan🤨🤨🤣🤣,” New Orleans Saints linebacker Danny Stutsman remarked.
“Let me get this right. The officials completely screw up the officiating at the end of the Michigan game. They get a Hail Mary to beat W. Michigan. And the crowd at Michigan Stadium storms the field for a victory over a MAC team. Another reason to laugh at Michigan. What a joke,” popular radio personality David Kaplan wrote.
The win improved Michigan’s record against Western Michigan to 9-0 all-time. The Wolverines now host Oklahoma in Week 2.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
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