Hail Mary Miracle Saves Michigan, But Iowa Looms on the Horizon
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — In a stunning turn of events that will have Iowa Hawkeyes fans taking notice, Michigan football escaped with a 13-12 victory over Western Michigan on Saturday, thanks to a Hail Mary touchdown as time expired that was only made possible by a replay review that put one second back on the clock.
The dramatic finish in new head coach Kyle Whittingham's debut saved the No. 16 Wolverines from what would have been just their second loss ever to a Mid-American Conference program. The last such upset came in 2008 when Toledo beat Michigan 13-10 at the Big House.
For Iowa fans, the game carries extra significance: the Hawkeyes are set to visit Ann Arbor on September 26, and Saturday's performance raised serious questions about the Wolverines' offense.
How the Miracle Finish Unfolded
With the game seemingly over after a Hail Mary attempt from midfield fell incomplete, a replay review gave Michigan one more chance. Quarterback Bryce Underwood connected with receiver JJ Buchanon, a transfer from Utah, for the winning score as time expired.
The final play capped a night of frustration for Michigan, which scored on its opening drive but then sputtered against a determined Western Michigan defense. The Broncos took a 9-7 lead in the third quarter on a 20-play, 71-yard drive that consumed 13 minutes and 40 seconds.
Western Michigan kicker Dieter Kelly, a junior college transfer, drilled field goals of 52, 45, and 39 yards to keep the Broncos in control.
First Quarter Promise, Second Quarter Problems
Michigan's first drive answered questions about new offensive coordinator Jason Beck's plans for Underwood. The sophomore went 5-for-5 for 61 yards, capping the drive with a leap over the line for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
But the rest of the first half was a different story. Underwood went 3-for-8 for just 9 yards with an interception and a sack. The running game stalled, and Michigan's offense looked lost. Even a would-be pick-six by Western Michigan's Dillon Moore was wiped out by a replay review that ruled he stepped out of bounds at the 26-yard line.
Underwood's Fumble Nearly Sealed the Upset
Michigan's best drive of the second half, fueled by Underwood's scrambles, ended in disaster with 1:54 remaining when the ball was punched out for a fumble at the end of a 13-yard run. It appeared the Wolverines' fate was sealed until the replay review gave them new life.
What This Means for Iowa
The Hawkeyes will face a Michigan team on September 26 that showed significant offensive struggles against a MAC opponent. True freshman running back Savion Hiter was repeatedly stopped behind an offensive line that has yet to jell, and Underwood looked uncomfortable when forced to make quick decisions.
Iowa's defense, known for its physicality and discipline, could pose serious problems for this Wolverines offense. The Hawkeyes will also have the benefit of seeing two more weeks of Michigan game film before the matchup.
Michigan's Schedule Ahead
Before Iowa arrives, Michigan faces a tough test this Saturday against No. 9 Oklahoma in Ann Arbor. The Sooners rolled over Michigan last season in Norman and showed why quarterback John Mateer is a sleeper Heisman candidate, throwing for 225 yards and three touchdowns in limited action against UTEP.
- Week 2: vs Oklahoma, Saturday, Sept. 12 (Noon ET, Fox)
- Week 3: vs UTEP, Saturday, Sept. 19 (3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network)
- Week 4: vs Iowa, Saturday, Sept. 26 (time and TV TBA)
- Week 5: at Minnesota, Saturday, Oct. 3
- Week 6: Bye week
- Week 7: vs Penn State, Saturday, Oct. 17
- Week 8: vs Indiana, Saturday, Oct. 24
- Week 9: at Rutgers, Saturday, Oct. 31
- Week 10: vs Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 7
- Week 11: at Oregon, Saturday, Nov. 14
- Week 12: vs UCLA, Saturday, Nov. 21
- Week 13: at Ohio State, Saturday, Nov. 28 (Noon ET, Fox)
Bottom Line for Hawkeye Fans
Michigan escaped with a win, but the performance was far from convincing. If the Wolverines' offensive line doesn't improve quickly, Iowa's defense could make life very difficult in Ann Arbor later this month. The Hawkeyes should be watching the Oklahoma game closely to see if Michigan's struggles were a one-game anomaly or a sign of deeper problems.