No. 16 Michigan opened the Kyle Whittingham era with a dramatic 13-12 victory over Western Michigan on Saturday night, but the game ended in controversy after officials determined that one second remained on the clock following an apparent game-ending play.

Western Michigan controlled much of the game and held a 12-7 lead with just 35 seconds remaining after Dieter Kelly connected on a 33-yard field goal. Michigan, which had struggled offensively for much of the night, needed a touchdown to avoid the upset.

Quarterback Bryce Underwood moved the Wolverines down the field before Michigan appeared to run out of time. Underwood's first Hail Mary attempt fell incomplete as the game clock appeared to reach zero.

Officials reviewed the play and determined that one second remained on the clock, allowing Michigan one final offensive snap. The decision immediately drew attention because the NBC broadcast appeared to show the clock reaching 0:00 before the previous play had ended.

Michigan took advantage of the extra second. Underwood launched a 47-yard Hail Mary into the end zone, where wide receiver JJ Buchanan came down with the football amid a crowd of players for the game-winning touchdown.

The victory gave Michigan a 1-0 start under Whittingham, but the performance exposed significant offensive problems. The Wolverines scored only seven points before their final drive, while Western Michigan controlled possession for more than 40 minutes and kept Michigan's offense out of the end zone for most of the night.

The controversial clock decision will likely remain a major talking point after a game that appeared to be headed toward a stunning Western Michigan upset before Michigan received one final opportunity — and turned it into a walk-off victory.