The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has filed a formal appeal requesting that Western Michigan be recognized as the victor in its recent football game against Michigan, following a controversial ending that saw Michigan score a game-winning touchdown as time expired. The MAC alleges that a critical error in replay protocol led to an incorrect addition of one second to the game clock, enabling Michigan's final play.
In a statement released Tuesday, MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher announced the conference's appeal to the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and the College Football Playoff. The appeal contends that the game clock displayed on the program feed should have been used, as per protocol, to determine if time remained. Instead, the Big Ten Conference replay crew reportedly relied on a clock embedded within its replay system.
"After further study and investigation, it is now evident that replay protocol was not properly followed in determining whether time remained on the game clock at the conclusion of the Western Michigan vs. Michigan football game," Steinbrecher stated. He emphasized that this was not a judgment call on the clock's accuracy but an error in applying the established replay rules for end-of-game timing.
According to the MAC's appeal, if the protocol had been correctly followed and the program-feed clock utilized, no additional play would have been granted. In this scenario, Western Michigan would have secured a 12-7 victory.
The controversy unfolded during the final seconds of the game when a Michigan Hail Mary pass fell incomplete as the clock appeared to reach zero. However, a replay review determined that a Western Michigan defender had touched the ball with one second remaining. The Big Ten's statement following the game indicated that a side-by-side view of the play and the game clock, using a direct shot of the stadium clock, was used to make the ruling. This led to one second being placed back on the clock, allowing Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood to connect with receiver JJ Buchanan for a 47-yard touchdown, resulting in a 13-12 win for Michigan.
This formal appeal marks a significant shift from the MAC's initial post-game response, which had reportedly been satisfied by the Big Ten's explanation following video and audio review provided by the conference. The MAC is now seeking corrective action from the NCAA bodies to adjust rankings, evaluations, and selection deliberations based on recognizing Western Michigan as the rightful winner.