The Michigan Wolverines pulled off one of the most improbable wins in program history with a miraculous Hail Mary as time expired to beat the Western Michigan Broncos, 13-12. It was one of the more dramatic games in Michigan Stadium history, while also marking the debut of head coach Kyle Whittingham.
Here are four players that deserve a game ball as Michigan started the season with an unforgettable victory.
JJ Buchanan (WR)
There isn’t a question that Buchanan deserves a game ball. In his Michigan debut, Buchanan converted
a truly jaw-dropping play by leaping over a defender and grabbing a game-winning 47-yard touchdown to lift the Wolverines to an unreal, walk-off win. He finished with a game-high 126 receiving yards and one touchdown on six catches.
Dominic Nichols (DE)
If there was one defensive player that stood out over the rest, it was undoubtedly Nichols. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound defensive end was simply unblockable at times, wreaking havoc from start to finish. Nichols totally dominated early on — totaling five tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in the first half alone, and he finished with nine tackles in a breakout performance.
Troy Bowles (LB)
In the first start of his career, the Michigan linebacker made a significant impact — specifically coming up with a series of clutch plays in the second half to keep Michigan within reach. Bowles had a pair of big-time tackles in the fourth quarter to keep Western Michigan from converting a first down, and he ended with a game-best 12 tackles and two tackles for loss.
Jyaire Hill (DB)
With the exception of a pass interference penalty in the first half, Hill couldn’t have played any better. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound cornerback was great in coverage and continuously came down into the box to make plays — compiling seven tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass deflection in the win. Hill is hoping to make a statement as a senior and he’s off to a great start.
