Michigan beats Western Michigan 13-12 after a last-second touchdown

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 3:03 AM

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

Michigan beats Western Michigan 13-12 after a last-second touchdown
Summary

The No. 16 Michigan Wolverines defeated Western Michigan 13-12 on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Michigan secured the win with a last-second Hail Mary touchdown pass. This game served as the debut for new head coach Kyle Whittingham, who was hired last December to replace Sherrone Moore. Michigan paid Western Michigan $1.5 million for the matchup, a common practice for power conference teams hosting Group of Six or FCS opponents. The Wolverines entered the contest with College Football Playoff aspirations after two previous seasons of middling results. Despite the significant disparity in stature, Western Michigan entered the game as the defending MAC champion and challenged the Wolverines throughout the afternoon.

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By the Numbers
  • Michigan defeated Western Michigan 13-12 on Saturday, Sept. 5.
  • The winning score was a last-second Hail Mary touchdown pass.
  • Michigan paid Western Michigan a $1.5 million guarantee for the game.
  • Kyle Whittingham coached his first game for Michigan at Michigan Stadium.
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  • 3:03 AMYahoo SportsHow much did Michigan football pay Western Michigan to scare living daylights out of it?
What they're saying
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Michigan was nearly stunned in Week 1 by Western Michigan. Here's how much the Wolverines paid the Broncos for the game.

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