No. 16 Michigan catches second-chance Hail Mary, survives scare vs WMU

Bryce Underwood converted with a second chance on a Hail Mary, connecting with JJ Buchanan for a 47-yard touchdown pass that lifted No. 16 Michigan over Western Michigan 13-12

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood throws against Western Michigan during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

By LARRY LAGE – AP Sports Writer

11 minutes ago

ANN ABOR, Mich. (AP) — Bryce Underwood converted with a second chance on a Hail Mary, connecting with JJ Buchanan for a 47-yard touchdown pass that lifted No. 16 Michigan over Western Michigan 13-12 on Saturday night.

The Broncos were 27 1/2-point underdogs but thought they'd spoiled Kyle Whittingham's debut when Underwood's first Hail Mary sailed out of bounds with the clock expired.

Officials called for a review. TV replays showed the clock hitting zero before the ball hit the hands of a Western Michigan defender, but officials ruled there was a second left.

Underwood heaved another throw, and Buchanan leaped to snag it and came down with it in the end zone.