Takeaways from Michigan’s Hail Mary win over Western Michigan

Michigan defeated Western Michigan 13-12 in a hard-fought game held at Michigan Stadium on September 5, 2026. Quarterback Bryce Underwood struggled early in the contest, throwing an interception and committing a fumble, but came through in the clutch with a game-sealing 47-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass to wide receiver JJ Buchanan with just one second remaining on the clock.

Time of possession proved to be a significant issue for Michigan, as Western Michigan controlled the ball for 40:08 of the game's 57-minute duration. This disparity can largely be attributed to Michigan's ineffective offense, which failed to sustain drives and often found itself in Western's territory.

Wide receiver JJ Buchanan delivered a stellar performance, catching six passes for 126 yards and securing the game-winning touchdown with a spectacular one-handed grab. His explosive play showcased his talent and hinted at the kind of receiver Michigan can have under head coach Kyle Whittingham.

However, the game revealed several glaring shortcomings in Michigan's program. The offensive line struggled to protect Underwood, leading to several dropped passes and sacks. The rushing attack also faltered, with Underwood showing no significant improvement from his previous season. Additionally, Michigan committed nine penalties for 80 yards, further hampering their offensive efforts.

Michigan's defense, which had been a strength under previous coaches, appeared fatigued and ineffective, as Western Michigan capitalized on their opportunities to score. The team's inability to consistently move the ball down the field and their numerous mistakes on the ground made for an ugly game that almost turned into a historic upset for Western Michigan.

Looking ahead, Michigan faces a challenging schedule, with their next game against Oklahoma, a team that is likely headed to the College Football Playoff again this year. To secure a favorable matchup against the Sooners, Michigan must address the numerous issues that plagued their performance against Western Michigan. Head coach Whittingham acknowledged the need for improvement and must work diligently to turn the program around if they hope to contend at a higher level.