Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Michigan survives Hail Mary after Big Ten review

9/6/2026

5 1 Full Breakdown

Summary

Underwood Hail-Mary

Quarterback Bryce Underwood threw a 47-yard Hail Mary for Michigan’s 13-12 win.
Officials added one second after review, saying safety Micah Davis touched the ball out of bounds.
The Big Ten cited NCAA rule 4-2-3-a and a synchronized stadium-clock video.
Michigan, a 27.5-point favorite, kept its College Football Playoff hopes alive.
Western Michigan seeks a MAC and NCAA review while interim AD Elaine Russell works on an appeal.

Summary

Michigan Pays

Michigan paid Western Michigan $1.5 million for the season-opening game, a typical power-conference guarantee.
The team launched a “Wolverine Walk” tradition during Whittingham’s debut at the Big House.
Defensive end Dom Nichols recorded 1.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss and nine total tackles.
Western Michigan entered as defending MAC champions.
Western Michigan retained key players to chase another conference title.

History

Historical Context

The Bowl Championship Series launched in 1998, ending the Rose Bowl’s mandatory tie-in for the Big Ten champion and letting top-ranked teams meet in a single title game. Michigan, a perennial Big Ten power, has since navigated the BCS’s revenue-sharing agreements that shaped its non-conference scheduling. The system ran for 16 seasons before the College Football Playoff replaced it in 2014.

1 of 3

Underwood Hail-Mary

Quarterback Bryce Underwood threw a 47-yard Hail Mary for Michigan’s 13-12 win.
Officials added one second after review, saying safety Micah Davis touched the ball out of bounds.
The Big Ten cited NCAA rule 4-2-3-a and a synchronized stadium-clock video.
Michigan, a 27.5-point favorite, kept its College Football Playoff hopes alive.
Western Michigan seeks a MAC and NCAA review while interim AD Elaine Russell works on an appeal.

1 / 3