The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has formally appealed to the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and the College Football Playoff, seeking to have Western Michigan declared the winner of its recent game against Michigan. The appeal centers on a controversial replay decision that added one second back to the game clock, allowing Michigan to score a game-winning touchdown as time expired.
Western Michigan had taken a 12-7 lead with less than a minute remaining. However, following an initial clock stoppage showing 0:00, a review determined that an additional second should have been on the clock. This led to an extra play, a 47-yard Hail Mary pass, that resulted in a Michigan victory.
The MAC's statement asserts that the replay protocol was not properly followed. According to the conference, the protocol requires the game clock displayed on the program feed to be used for end-of-game timing reviews. Instead, the Big Ten replay crew reportedly relied on a clock embedded within its replay system, leading to the disputed additional second.
"This was not a judgment regarding the proper amount of time to place on the clock," the MAC stated. "It was an error in the application of the established replay protocol governing this specific end-of-game timing situation. Had the protocol been properly followed and the program-feed clock been used, no additional play would have been awarded, and Western Michigan would have won the game, 12–7."
The conference is requesting that the NCAA bodies recognize Western Michigan as the "actual winner" for ranking, evaluation, and selection purposes.
The Big Ten Conference has stated that it stands by the replay officials' determination and the statement released following the game. The conference declined further comment on the matter.
While the appeal highlights a potential misapplication of replay rules, the likelihood of the NCAA overturning a result determined on the field is considered very low. However, the MAC's action demonstrates support for its member institution and addresses the significant implications the loss may have had for Western Michigan's season, potentially impacting their standing and playoff aspirations.