Michigan almost faced another epic upset.
Six years after the Wolverines were knocked off by Appalachian State of the Football Championship Subdivision, they almost lost to another low-level program.
This time there was no disastrous ending, as Michigan held off Akron of the MAC on Saturday thanks to a last-second goal-line stand.
With Akron holding tough all game, Fitzgerald Toussaint scored a 2-yard go-ahead touchdown for Michigan with 2:49 remaining. The score sent the crowd at The Big House — which had been quiet or booing all game long — erupting.
The Zips came back strong, advancing the ball into the red zone as time wound down. But Michigan was able to stop Akron on the last play and held on for the 28-24 victory .
Akron actually led the No. 11 Wolverines twice in the second half, including with 4:10 remaining after Kyle Pohl threw a short touchdown pass for Akron.
The Zips had two good chances to win the game on the final drive, but a pass sailed too high for wide receiver Jerrod Dillard and receiver L.T. Smith was stopped just short of the goal line by two defenders.
The game was nearly reminiscent of Michigan’s historic 2007 upset at the hands of Appalachian State. At the time Michigan was ranked No. 5 in the nation and was the favorite to win the Big 10. Though many top programs schedule FCS teams as a way to fill out schedules and score easy victories, Michigan instead found itself the victim of Appalachian State’s speedy offense, losing 34-32.
By hanging on to avoid the upset at the hands of Akron, Michigan was able to extend its home winning streak to 17 games, tied for the program’s best.
