The Western Michigan Broncos are in the news right now, as they are at the center of what some are calling the biggest botched moment in college history.
It was a controversial end to an intriguing game, as Western Michigan took a 12-7 lead into the final nine seconds of the contest. But on Michigan's final play with time expiring, Bryce Underwood heaved a ball towards the back of the end zone that was caught by a defender, leading the nation to believe the game was over.
Was there time left?🤔
— On3 (@On3) September 6, 2026
One second was added after this play, leading to a Michigan Hail Mary walk-off.
(via NBC) pic.twitter.com/2rVU5mVTqK
It was an intense moment filled with drama, where a MAC program took down the Michigan Wolverines in The Big House. This was supposed to be one of the biggest upsets in college football history. After some deliberation by the referees, they were able to determine that the game was not quite over yet.
There was still one second left in Ann Arbor, and that was more than enough for Underwood and Co. to squeak out a heart-wrenching win to start the season.
HAIL MARY MIRACLE!
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 6, 2026
Michigan wins it on the FINAL PLAY OF THE GAME! pic.twitter.com/rSAyXj9azh
This team was given a gift from the Football Gods to start the season, but it was something that not all teams needed in order to beat a MAC opponent.
Let's throw it back to last season, when Illinois football shutout Western Michigan at home
Let's cut to the chase here: Michigan did not play well on Saturday night. They did not look like a team that was favored by 27.5 points at kickoff, and their reported $12 million quarterback was absolutely abysmal.
They could not get the job done at home, which was certainly not the case for Illinois football last season, when they blew past Western Michigan at Gies Memorial Stadium by a score of 38-0.
#9 Illinois shuts out Western Michigan, 38-0, on Saturday night in front of the 78th sold-out crowd in Gies Memorial Stadium. This is the Illini's first shutout since Aug. 29, 2024, when they defeated Eastern Illinois, 45-0. pic.twitter.com/jueUVGyppQ
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) September 14, 2025
The Illini, who started off rather slowly in the first half, simply blew by the Broncos in the second half with 176 yards and two touchdowns from Luke Altmyer through the air. Kaden Feagin also had a solid game, rushing for 100 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries.
Bret Bielema's squad may have only been up by 10 points at halftime, but after a few adjustments, they were off to the races. This became a rout in the third quarter, and Illinois just kept it going in the fourth.
The Illini didn't need a special clock to help seal the game, unlike Michigan. They didn't need the officials to find a magical second in order to give them one final chance at glory. They just played a solid 60 minutes of football and beat a MAC school like they were supposed to.
No controversy, no conference statements, no 'goofy' field storm. It was just that simple!
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