Michigan Escapes Western Michigan 13-12 as Replay Restores 1 Second for Winning 47-Yard TD
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 6
Michigan Escapes Western Michigan 13-12 as Replay Restores 1 Second for Winning 47-Yard TD
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 6
Summary
Big Ten officials said replay showed Western Michigan safety Micah Davis touched the batted Hail Mary while out of bounds with 1 second left, validating the clock restoration that set up Michigan’s winning play.
A second 47-yard heave from Bryce Underwood then found tight end JJ Buchanan in the end zone for a 13-12 win after Western Michigan had appeared to seal a 12-7 upset.
The conference released video and real-time officiating audio about 2 hours after the game, saying the official clock is synced with replay cameras 85 minutes before kickoff even though the TV broadcast appeared to show 0:00.
MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said the Big Ten’s explanation was sufficient, but the finish still intensified scrutiny of conference crews working their own nonconference games and of Michigan’s shaky offense before next week’s Oklahoma game.
After escaping a near-upset, can Kyle Whittingham fix Michigan’s glaring offensive struggles before facing tougher Big Ten opponents?
How will Dominic Nichols' breakout defensive performance shape Michigan's strategy as they navigate a challenging path to the College Football Playoff?