Michigan criticized for behavior after last-second win over Western Michigan
The Michigan Wolverines nearly got off to an embarrassing start to their season, as they appeared on the verge of an upset at the hands of massive underdogs, Western Michigan.
However, the game’s controversial finish featured a last-second Wolverines touchdown in Kyle Whittingham’s regular-season debut as head coach. While initially the Broncos celebrated what they thought was an upset, their mood quickly was erased when a replay review gave Michigan one more chance to win, setting up a second Hail Mary that won the game.
With the Wolverines trailing 12-7 and just nine seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood attempted a heave from around midfield to the end zone.
Despite multiple Wolverines attempting to come down with the ball, Western Michigan had all potential receivers heavily defended, and the pass appeared to go out of bounds as time expired..
Referees soon halted Western Michigan’s joyous celebration on the field, calling all the players and personnel back to the sidelines with the play under review. Upon further review, Upon further review, officials determined that Western Michigan safety Micah Davis touched the ball while out of bounds with one second remaining, giving Michigan one more play, stunning many viewers.
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Michigan took full advantage of that second opportunity, with Underwood connecting on a 47-yard Hail Mary to teammate JJ Buchanan to win the game, 13-12. The Wolverines showed plenty of excitement over the victory, as players and fans stormed onto the field to celebrate once the game was over and the score was official.
That postgame celebration riled up plenty of critics over how Michigan celebrated the reversal of fortunes. The Wolverines entered the game favored to win by at least four touchdowns, and the Broncos held them to a disappointingly low offensive output.
“Storming the field after beating a MAC team is more embarrassing than losing to a MAC team,” an X poster named Mr. Ohio wrote, sharing a photo of the scene.
“I’ll give you that. It [expletive] me off watching that more than the pathetic team on the field,” someone replied.
“I’m a Georgia fan but I’m hate watching Michigan for the rest of the year,” one individual commented.
“Only a delusional Midchigan fan would feel Good about that win… so basically the entire fan base is ecstatic right now,” a commenter said.
“Storming the field after robbing a MAC team is more embarrassing you mean,” someone said, referring to the controversial decision to put one second back on the clock for Michigan.
“They pulled off an upset and beat a clearly superior team. I can understand the Michigan fans’ exuberance,” a commenter said, taking a jab at the Wolverines.
Michigan’s season didn’t get off to an ideal start, given the way it won, and it now has plenty of attention on the Wolverines and the Big Ten Conference.
Next up, the Wolverines will host No. 10-ranked Oklahoma on Saturday, Sept. 12, and based on this weekend’s narrow escape, one can only wonder how Whittingham’s team fares against their first Top 25 opponent of the season.
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