Wait just a second: No. 16 Michigan catches second-chance Hail Mary, survives scare vs WMU – AP News

Michigan’s 16th‑ranked Wolverines survived a heart‑stopping scare against Western Michigan, thanks to a second‑chance Hail Mary that kept the game alive in the final minutes. The Wolverines, who had been on a strong run in the Big Ten, found themselves trailing late in the fourth quarter. A defensive stand by the West Michigan Raiders forced Michigan into a desperate situation, leaving the offense with little time on the clock.

With the ball in hand and a chance to tie, Michigan’s quarterback launched a long, high‑arching pass toward the end zone. The ball spiraled toward the corner of the field, where it was initially caught by a Raiders defender. In a split second, the defender released the ball, giving Michigan a second chance. Michigan’s receiver, positioned just outside the tackle box, dove for the ball and secured it before it hit the ground. The play was ruled a touchdown, giving Michigan a one‑point lead that would prove to be the difference.

The Raiders had a brief opportunity to respond, but a key defensive play by Michigan forced a turnover on downs, sealing the win. The game was a showcase of Michigan’s resilience and the importance of executing under pressure. The Hail Mary play, which was the second such attempt for Michigan in the season, highlighted the team’s willingness to take risks when the stakes were high.

The victory keeps Michigan firmly in the top 20 of the national rankings and bolsters their position in the Big Ten standings. It also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college football, where a single play can change the outcome of a hard‑fought contest. The Wolverines will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next matchup, while the Raiders will regroup and focus on improving their defensive consistency.