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Michigan Football: Colorado Invokes Flashback of Hail Mary

By Chris Peterson

Sep 10, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleaders cheers during the second half against the UCF Knights at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 51-14. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleaders cheers during the second half against the UCF Knights at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 51-14. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sept. 24 1994 was one of the worst days Michigan football fans have ever experienced. That was the day when Kordell Stewart and the Colorado Buffaloes pulled off a miracle and broke the hears of the Wolverines faithful.

22 years is a pretty long time. Yet, it’s not long enough for Michigan football fans to forget the day that Kordell Stewart and Colorado ripped their hearts out.

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As a long-time Michigan football follower myself, I know that I will never forget that day. At the time, I was eight years old. Yet, even then I was an avid Wolverines fan. And truthfully, I will remember that play and that game, for the rest of my life.

With Colorado at around their own 35-yard line, in my mind, the game was over. There was no way the quarterback could even throw the ball that far.

Then, I watched Stewart avoid the rush and launch the ball downfield. Even then, I wasn’t too worried, until the ball got closer to the end zone. Things seemed out of order and you could sense the Buffaloes were in good position.

Then the tip came. The ball was deflected into the air and Michael Westbrook, a person I would come to hate forever, along with Stewart, magically, incredibly, stunningly, came down with ball.

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For a second, I didn’t know what to do. I was stunned. It seemed like a bad dream. Then, as I realized my beloved Wolverines had just lost — I lost it.

To be blunt, I started balling — uncontrollably.

I ran outside to my Mom, who was working in the garden and was screaming and crying. She had no idea what was wrong. Finally, I was able to choke out why I was so upset.

For some reason, I simply couldn’t comprehend what had just happened. I felt empty and as bad as if my heart had been ripped from my body.

For the first time, I felt what it really feels like to be a fan. Sometime there are incredible highs, other times, incredible lows.

That game, that day, was the lowest of the low. Even the loss to Michigan State last year, didn’t seem as bad.

So as the Buffaloes get set to invade the Big House again today, don’t blame me or any other Michigan fans for having flashbacks. That play made me the fan I am today. That heartbreak made my love my Wolverines more, but even so, the pain is real.

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Let’s just hope Michigan football takes care of business Saturday against the Buffs, cause if it comes down to another Hail Mary, it might just be too much for me to handle.

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