ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A fraction of a second from a devastating loss, Michigan kicked off the Kyle Whittingham era with an improbable victory for the ages.
Quarterback Bryce Underwood connected on a 47-yard Hail Mary to JJ Buchanan to give No. 16 Michigan a 13-12 victory against Western Michigan, sending fans spilling out of the stands for an impromptu dance party Saturday night inside Michigan Stadium.
The play only happened because officials ruled that Underwood’s first attempt at a Hail Mary sailed out of the end zone before time expired. Western Michigan players rushed the field in celebration, only to be sent back to the sideline after officials ruled that Michigan had 1 second remaining.
Underwood’s Hail Mary rescued Michigan from a nightmarish start in Whittingham’s first game as coach. After driving for a touchdown on their opening drive, the Wolverines didn’t score again until Buchanan snagged Underwood’s pass amid a crowd of defenders in the end zone.
This story will be updated.
