On the NBC broadcast, it looked like Michigan’s Hail Mary attempt against Western Michigan resulted in an incompletion and the clock hitting zero. However, after review, a second was added back on the clock, and Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to JJ Buchanan on the Wolverines’ second Hail Mary attempt to win the game 13-12.
After the game, Western Michigan head coach Lance Taylor shared his perspective. Taylor thought the game was won.
“I know when I looked up at the clock, it was past zeros before we touched it,” Taylor said. “I knew that they would review it; it was the last play of the game. Because we defended it so well, I wasn’t worried or concerned about our guys going out and defending it a second time. Unfortunately, we did not defend it as well the second time.”
After Taylor’s comments, the Big Ten released a statement and video explaining the decision to put a second back on, which allowed for a final play.
The commissioner of the MAC then released a statement that agreed with the Big Ten’s explanation.
While there will still be controversy surrounding this, there won’t be any further investigation into the matter. Michigan won in improbable fashion and made the most of a second chance at a Hail Mary.
