Michigan's season opener needed one final second, one desperate prayer of a heave answered in the middle of the end zone. Bryce Underwood found JJ Buchanan on a jaw-dropping Hail Mary as time expired, lifting the Wolverines past Western Michigan, 13-12, in a finish that instantly became one of the wildest moments in Michigan Stadium history. The Wolverines appeared headed for a stunning defeat before officials reviewed the previous play and put one second back on the clock, giving Kyle Whittingham's team an opportunity for one last snap.
The Michigan quarterback bought enough time, launched the football into traffic and watched Buchanan emerge with it amid a crowd of Broncos defenders. Celebration followed immediately as Michigan's sideline emptied into the end zone and Western Michigan players stood in disbelief. MICHIGAN DOES THE UNBELIEVABLE ON THE FINAL PLAY OF THE GAME 😱THEY PUT ONE SECOND BACK ON THE CLOCK AND MICHIGAN CAPITALIZES TO WIN IT!📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/dTmoS82w2C It was heartbreak of the highest order for the Broncos, who were one second away from securing their first win over Michigan in nine all-time meetings and the biggest victory of coach Lance Taylor's career.
Instead, the Wolverines escaped with a result that will overshadow an otherwise uneven offensive performance. Michigan did not look sharp. It did not look comfortable.
But with everything on the line, Underwood delivered the season's first unforgettable finish. In his debut as Michigan's offensive coordinator, Jason Beck schemed opportunities to gain easy yardage, but Michigan struggled with execution all night. Underwood's footwork and timing were inconsistent, causing him to miss several layup throws.
Some growing pains were expected as Underwood transitions into Beck's offense. However, the floor for Underwood's performance appears to be much lower than most around the program had projected. Beck's system asks plenty of the quarterback before and after the snap.
Timing, protection checks, route combinations and knowing when to attack vertically must become second nature. The former No. 1 overall recruit is as physically gifted as any quarterback in the country, but comfort in a new scheme is developed through repetition, not granted by talent alone. Michigan's first-half offense was so unsightly sans its opening possession that Whittingham rubbed his eyes after a fifth consecutive third-down failure in the second quarter, then bent over with his hands on his knees.
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