Would it really be Week 1 of the college football season without a little refereeing controversy?
Certainly not, as Michigan hosted Western Michigan to start the season, resulting in what is probably the most controversial win to start the 2026 campaign, as the Wolverines came out with a literal last-second finish to take home the win 13-12 against their in-state opponent.
As time visibly expired on the game clock, which would have resulted in a WMU win 12-7 over Michigan, the referees for some reason concluded the clock still had a second on it, giving the Wolverines one final Hail Mary play, resulting in Bryce Underwood finding wide receiver JJ Buchanan for the game-winning score.
CFB Analysts React to Michigan’s Last-Second Thriller
“That’s the WORST best ending to a CFB game ever,” exclaimed Pro Football Network’s Cam Mellor.
i mean .. a hell of a catch by JJ Buchanan .. but that’s the WORST best ending to a CFB game everpic.twitter.com/FqxgbvkgfJ
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) September 6, 2026
“Talk about stealing a game. Michigan with some late second-half magic takes down WMU despite being on the ropes all game.” posted PFN analyst Alec Elijah.
Talk about stealing a game. Michigan with some late second magic takes down WMU despite being on the ropes all game.
— Alec Elijah (@CFBAlecElijah) September 6, 2026
“Yet another example of why wins are not a QB stat. Bryce Underwood and Michigan have another long season ahead of them,’ wrote PFN’s James Fragoza.
Yet another example of why wins are not a QB stat.
Bryce Underwood and Michigan have another long season ahead of them. pic.twitter.com/EtfppqwUH8
— James Fragoza (@JamesFragoza) September 6, 2026
“I remember being bullish on Bryce Underwood early last season bc of the tools & release mechanics, but today there was no progression visible,” said PFN Analyst Ian Cummings.
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“Big Ten play might be a rude awakening. Sick for Western Michigan with that game ending. They played well enough to win.”
I remember being bullish on Bryce Underwood early last season bc of the tools & release mechanics, but today there was no progression visible. Big Ten play might be a rude awakening.
Sick for Western Michigan with that game ending. They played well enough to win.
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) September 6, 2026
PFN Writer Brandon Astreicher also chimed in on X, saying, “Absolutely hate to see that. Disgusting to see the little guys get [expletive] by a phantom second added on.”
“Well, that seems blatantly rigged; would that happen if the tables were turned?” asked PFN’s Colin D’Cunha.
While it was a rather unfortunate way for Western Michigan to kick off the season, at least the Broncos can hang their hats on the fact that they beat the Wolverines, a playoff contender, for the majority of the game until one controversial call turned the game on its head.
The Big Ten will also have questions to answer after this result, as its referees took control of the game in what will certainly be a talking point heading into Week 2.
