Michigan’s Week 1 win over Western Michigan was absolutely bonkers, right? Quarterback Bryce Underwood launched a Hail Mary with seconds left, erasing a 12-7 deficit in Kyle Whittingham’s coaching debut. It was an improbable victory, the kind of finish that reminds you why college football hits different every single weekend. The “Big Noon Kickoff” crew just pulled back the curtain on some other legendary endings, and trust me, these moments are truly unforgettable. They even included two miraculous finishes at the Big Ten House, with Michigan’s win over the Broncos being one of them.
The Absolute Chaos Unleashed
Remember when Stanford thought they had it in 1982? Four seconds left, up 20-19 on California after a field goal. Then the Golden Bears went full wild card, using five laterals on the ensuing kickoff return to score the winning touchdown. The Stanford Band was already out there on the field, celebrating what they thought was a win! Talk about an iconic moment nobody can ever forget. Or how about the 2013 Iron Bowl? Game tied at 28 with one second left, Alabama attempts a 57-yard field goal to win it all. It was short, and Auburn’s Chris Davis caught the ball in the end zone and returned it a mind-blowing 109 yards for a touchdown as time expired. Stunned victory doesn’t even begin to cover that kind of craziness. And nobody forgets Michigan State’s incredible last-second touchdown against Michigan in 2015. Michigan was seconds away from defeating their in-state rival when punter Blake O’Neill mishandled the snap. Michigan State’s Jalen Watts-Jackson scooped up the loose ball and returned it for a touchdown, leaving Wolverine fans absolutely floored inside the Big House.
Heartbreakers, Hail Marys, and History
The sheer drama of a desperation pass can absolutely define a legacy, can’t it? Think “Hail Flutie”: Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie threw a prayer toward the end zone as time expired against Miami, and wide receiver Gerard Phelan came down with it for the game-winning score, after Miami led 45-41 late. Pure magic. But for many, the Colorado game probably hurts the most, especially for FOX Sports NFL analyst Charles Woodson. Michigan looked set for a win, but Colorado, with six seconds left at their own 36-yard line, saw quarterback Kordell Stewart launch a Hail Mary. It was tipped near the goal line and landed in the hands of wide receiver Michael Westbrook for a 64-yard touchdown. Woodson, a young recruit at the time, attended the game and recalled leaving early with his cousin to beat traffic. He said, “Next thing you know, Hail Mary. I can’t believe it. That one hurt the most.” And let’s not forget the infamous “Bush Push,” when USC quarterback Matt Leinart was pushed into the end zone by running back Reggie Bush for the game-winning touchdown against No. 1 Notre Dame. That one remains one of college football’s most controversial finishes in history.
Man, these finishes are absolutely wild and they stick with you forever. We are only in Week 1, and Michigan already delivered a classic reminder of why we watch this sport. If this is the kind of drama we are getting this early, just imagine the rest of the season. Bring on the chaos!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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