Michigan Wolverines fend off shocking upset bid from Western Michigan in early season thriller
Well, we came about as close as you can to another major Michigan upset to kick off this year.
The Wolverines got their slate underway on Saturday night at Michigan Stadium by welcoming the Western Michigan Broncos.
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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 05: Dom Nichols #8 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after a first half tackle against the Western Michigan Broncos at Michigan Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) -->
As is often the case in these Week 1 matchups, Michigan came into this one as an overwhelming 27.5-point favorite.
Oddsmakers were also looking at a fairly high-scoring game with the o/u set at 49.5.
However, this turned into a low-scoring, defensive battle, with Michigan opening the scoring when QB Bryce Underwood punched it into the end zone from the 1-yard line.
A few minutes later, the Broncos answered with a field goal, then tacked on another before halftime, and that was the end of the scoring in the first half.
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The teams went to the locker room with Michigan up just 7-6.
That was a stunner, but surely Michigan would come out firing and put the 2025 MAC champions away.
Nope.
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 05: Broc Lowry #12 of the Western Michigan Broncos looks to throw a first half pass against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
On the final play of the game, Underwood found space and gave his receivers time to get downfield before heaving a bomb that ended up sailing just out the back of the end zone.
But Michigan caught a break. Upon review, it was found that there was still one second left on the clock.
It was a controversial call, to say the least. Prepare to hear plenty of talk about it this week. The decision left just enough time for the Wolverines to get a snap off, with Underwood connecting with JJ Buchanan for a touchdown and a 13-12 Michigan win.
That 46-yard beauty of a Hail Mary for the win was the last of Underwood’s 170 passing yards. He also rushed for 46 yards and one touchdown.
That’s a maiden win for the Kyle Whittingham era in Ann Arbor, and surely no one saw it looking like that.
A heartbreaker for the Broncos and a heart-stopper for Michigan.
We’re barely into the college football season, and we already have a classic (with a bit of controversy mixed in to boot).
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Things will not get any easier for the Wolverines, as their next game will be on Sept. 12 when they welcome the No. 10 Oklahoma Sooners to the Big House.
Matthew Reigle is a writer for OutKick.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/michigan-wolverines-fend-off-shocking-upset-bid-western-michigan-early-season-thriller