Miracle at Michigan
The Miracle at Michigan refers to the final play that occurred during the American football game played on September 24, 1994 between the Colorado Buffaloes and Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The game was decided on Colorado quarterback Kordell Stewart's 64-yard Hail Mary pass to Michael Westbrook,[1] the second touchdown by the Buffaloes in the last 2:16.[1] The game was described as one of the two wildest finishes in Michigan football history.[2]
Colorado trailed Michigan 26–21 with six seconds left when Stewart heaved the ball more than 70 yards in the air into the end zone where Westbrook caught it on a planned deflection from Blake Anderson for the game-winning touchdown.[1] The play, which was named "Rocket Left", was called by Bill McCartney, Colorado coach and former Michigan assistant coach. Westbrook, Anderson and Rae Carruth lined up wide left and James Kidd lined up wide right.[1] The same play had been called to end the first half, resulting in a Chuck Winters interception.[2]
Before the 1994 season, running back Rashaan Salaam was quoted in the Colorado Media Guide on what would be his favorite SportsCenter highlight. "It's fourth and 15 late in the game at Michigan Stadium. We're on our 2 yard line, and with 2 seconds to go, Kordell pitches me the ball. I throw a 98-yard touchdown pass to Michael Westbrook and the Buffs win the game." Salaam almost nailed the scenario, but it was Kordell Stewart who completed the legendary play.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e Ivan Maisel (11 June 11, 2007). "Stewart to Westbrook silenced Big House crowd". ESPN. Retrieved 4 August 2011.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b Jones, Todd (2007). "Michigan". In MacCambridge, Michael (ed.). ESPN Big Ten College Football Encyclopedia. ESPN Enterprises. p. 62. ISBN 1-933060-49-2.