Michigan narrowly avoided an upset against Western Michigan, escaping with a controversial 13-12 win.
The Broncos appeared to have pulled off a stunning win when Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood’s first Hail Mary fell incomplete as the clock seemingly hit zero. However, the officials’ ensuing decision gave the Wolverines another chance, dramatically changing the outcome and sparking reactions from college football fans.
Michigan’s Win Over WMU Sparks Furious Backlash Against Refs
Western Michigan players initially believed they had pulled off a major, major upset against Michigan and began celebrating, but officials cut those celebrations short by initiating a replay review, which appeared to show the game clock hitting 0:00 before the ball made contact with a Broncos defender.
Officials determined that one second remained on the clock, giving Michigan one final opportunity. Underwood made the most of it, finding JJ Buchanan for the game-winning touchdown.
Western Michigan president Russ Kavalhuna called for the ending to be reviewed, while fans strongly criticized the officiating.
“Game between Michigan and Western Michigan was officiated by a Big Ten crew led by referee Jim Wharrie. Jim and crew need to be fired for corruption and cheating. There was NO time left on the clock,” one fan remarked.
Game between Michigan and Western Michigan was officiated by a Big Ten crew led by referee Jim Wharrie.
Jim and crew need to be fired for corruption and cheating. There was NO time left of the clock. https://t.co/sgBipqMowQ
— Professor WildUte (@TheWildUte) September 6, 2026
“Are these all the refs on the payroll?” wrote Bad Sports Refs, an account that claims to expose bad calls and referee missteps.
Are these all the refs on the payroll?
— Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) September 6, 2026
“Refs just robbed Western Michigan at gunpoint,” Bad Sports Refs wrote in another tweet.
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Several hours after Michigan secured the narrow win, the Big Ten released a statement explaining why officials restored the second. The conference also provided the video replay that officials reviewed along with the audio of their discussion.
The alternate camera angle appeared to support the ruling, showing a Western Michigan defender touching the ball after stepping out of bounds with one second still showing on the stadium clock.
MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher later said he contacted the Big Ten to seek an explanation for the controversial ending. After receiving the conference’s response, Steinbrecher indicated he was satisfied with the explanation.
However, that did little to stop the criticism, as fans continued to mock Michigan over the way it escaped with the victory.
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“The refs in the Michigan game legitimately just cheated. Everyone of them should be fired,” one said.
The refs in the Michigan game legitimately just cheated lol.
Every one of them should be fired.
— PIHCAM (@ItsPihcam) September 6, 2026
“One of the biggest crimes in sports history just happened to Western Michigan,” veteran analyst Jason Whitlock wrote.
“Officials have to be held accountable. Stick those officials at the press conference and explain to America why there was a second left to screw WMU for Michigan to throw a Hail Mary. They’ll be officiating next week. Zero repercussions for failing their job. Zero,” analyst Garrett Armbrust ranted.
The controversy has overshadowed what Michigan hoped would be an impressive start to the Kyle Whittingham era.
The Wolverines entered the matchup as heavy favorites behind former five-star quarterback Underwood, but their performance hardly reflected the talent gap on paper as they struggled to put away Western Michigan.
