In a shocking moment during Saturday’s matchup between Michigan and Nebraska, the Wolverines gave up a Hail Mary touchdown on the last play of the first half. Poor clock management from Michigan’s coaching staff paved the way for this last-second score, ultimately shifting momentum in an unexpected way.
Michigan gives up Hail Mary to Nebraska because of huge coaching blunder

Key Takeaways:
- Michigan allowed a game-changing Hail Mary on the last play of the first half
- The damaging score was directly linked to poor clock management
- Nebraska capitalized on Michigan’s coaching error
- The dramatic finish before halftime highlighted the importance of timing decisions in college football
- Yardbarker reported the events, credited to Grey Papke of Larry Brown Sports
The Dramatic Final Seconds
Michigan and Nebraska took the field in a highly anticipated college football matchup, only to see tension escalate in the last moments of the first half. With time running down, the Wolverines seemed to lose track of the clock, granting their opponents the chance to execute a high-risk play.
Clock Management Mishap
In what many have described as an unforced coaching error, Michigan’s staff miscalculated the time left on the clock. This allowed Nebraska the opportunity to set up for one final play instead of letting the clock expire.
The Hail Mary
Nebraska capitalized by throwing a long pass into the end zone, a classic Hail Mary play that succeeded in stunning fashion. The ball found its target, giving the Cornhuskers a crucial touchdown as the clock hit zero and leaving the Wolverines reeling.
Immediate Reactions
The stadium erupted as Nebraska’s players celebrated their unlikely scoring drive. Michigan’s sideline had little time to recover from the shock before heading into the locker room for halftime. Though the exact post-game remarks from coaches and players are not detailed in the original coverage, the disappointment on the Wolverines’ side was evident.
Broader Implications
This moment underscores the impact of clock management in college football. Even a small oversight can prove costly, changing the momentum of a game in a split second. With such a dramatic lesson learned, teams across the country may well pay closer attention to their approach in time-sensitive situations for future matchups.