Michigan Secures Controversial Win in Whittingham’s Coaching Debut
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Michigan Secures Controversial Win in Whittingham's Coaching Debut
- The No. 16-ranked Michigan Wolverines narrowly defeated Western Michigan 13-12 on September 5, 2026, thanks to a controversial Hail Mary in the final second of the game.
- Kyle Whittingham took over as Michigan's head coach on December 26, 2025, after Sherrone Moore's termination in December 2025.
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The University of Michigan football team, ranked No. 16, began its 2026 season with a narrow 13-12 victory over Western Michigan. The win, secured by a 47-yard Hail Mary pass caught by JJ Buchanan as time expired, was not without controversy.
The game, played on September 5, 2026, marked the debut of new head coach Kyle Whittingham, who joined Michigan on December 26, 2025, after 21 seasons as head coach at the University of Utah. Whittingham replaced Sherrone Moore, who was terminated in December 2025.
Michigan’s opening drive, led by quarterback Bryce Underwood, resulted in a touchdown, giving the Wolverines an early 7-0 lead. However, the offense struggled significantly after that, going punt, punt, punt, punt, interception, punt, punt, and fumble before the final miraculous play.
The controversial ending involved officials adding one second back to the game clock after it appeared to have expired, allowing Michigan to attempt the game-winning Hail Mary. Despite the win, many observers felt Michigan was fortunate to escape with a victory against a Western Michigan team that was a 27.5-point underdog. Coach Whittingham himself acknowledged that the team was “flirting with disaster.”