No. 16 Michigan Escapes Western Michigan 13-12 in Wild Season Opener at the Big House

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — No. 16 Michigan survived a massive scare Saturday night, holding off Western Michigan 13-12 in a season opener that was far more dramatic than anyone in the Big House expected.

The Wolverines entered the night heavily favored and carrying an 8-0 all-time record against Western Michigan, along with a 37-1 mark against Mid-American Conference opponents. Instead, Michigan found itself fighting for survival deep into the fourth quarter. 

Michigan struck first behind quarterback Bryce Underwood, who scored on a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the opening quarter to give the Wolverines an early 7-0 lead. From there, however, Michigan’s offense stalled almost completely.

Western Michigan chipped away with field goals, cutting the deficit to 7-3 before adding another just before halftime to make it 7-6.

The third quarter came and went without either team scoring, leaving Michigan clinging to a one-point advantage entering the fourth.

That’s when things got even more uncomfortable.

Western Michigan connected on a 39-yard field goal with 10:29 remaining to take its first lead of the night, 9-7. The Broncos later added another field goal with just 38 seconds left, stretching the margin to 12-7 and putting Michigan on the brink of one of the biggest upsets of the opening weekend.

But the Wolverines weren’t finished.

Underwood got Michigan moving in the final seconds, including a 28-yard completion to JJ Buchanan, and Michigan ultimately found the late score it needed to escape with a 13-12 victory.

The final margin, though, doesn’t hide just how ugly the performance was.

Michigan finished with 229 total yards, only eight more than Western Michigan. The Wolverines committed three turnovers, including two lost fumbles, and were penalized nine times for 80 yards. Western Michigan, by comparison, committed no turnovers and controlled possession for more than 40 minutes, compared with less than 20 minutes for Michigan.

Underwood finished 11-of-21 passing for 123 yards with one interception, while also leading Michigan on the ground with 47 rushing yards and a touchdown. Jordan Marshall added 44 rushing yards on 11 carries, while Buchanan led the receiving group with five catches for 79 yards.

The Wolverines’ inability to sustain drives was a major problem all night. Western Michigan ran 67 plays to Michigan’s 47, consistently keeping the Wolverines’ defense on the field and limiting Michigan’s offensive opportunities.

Still, a win is a win — especially in a season opener.

Saturday marked the first game under new Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham, who entered the season with a 17-4 career record in season openers. 

But this one will likely create more questions than answers.

Michigan entered the season ranked No. 16 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, and Saturday’s performance looked nothing like that of a team expected to contend near the top of the Big Ten. 

The good news for Michigan is simple: they survived.

The bad news? The Wolverines have plenty to clean up — and quickly.

Michigan hosts Oklahoma next Saturday at noon in what will be a significant step up in competition. 

MCSN Take

This was about as ugly as a win can get.

Michigan turned the ball over three times, lost the time-of-possession battle badly, committed nine penalties and needed a last-second rally just to avoid losing at home to Western Michigan.

Bryce Underwood made enough plays late to save the night, but Michigan cannot play this way against the better teams on its schedule.

The Wolverines escaped Week 1.

Now the real work begins.