College Football Playoff says it cannot change Michigan-Western Michigan result but will consider game in rankings
The CFP confirmed it lacks authority to alter the 13-12 Michigan win over Western Michigan, while noting the contest will be part of the selection committee’s comprehensive evaluation of each team’s season.
The College Football Playoff (CFP) issued a statement on Thursday after the Mid-American Conference asked the body to recognize Western Michigan as the winner of its opening-week game against Michigan. The CFP said it does not have the power to modify regular-season outcomes.
"The CFP has reviewed the letter from the Mid-American Conference. While we appreciate the concerns that were raised, the CFP does not have the authority to change or otherwise alter the outcome of games played during the regular season," the statement read.
The organization added that its selection committee evaluates each team based on a "comprehensive body of work" that includes opponent strength, schedule strength and overall record, rather than relying solely on win-loss totals. The committee will consider the performance of both Michigan and Western Michigan in the contested game alongside every other game on their schedules.
The appeal follows controversy over the September 5 matchup, in which a replay decision added one second back to the clock after a Michigan Hail Mary appeared to expire. Michigan subsequently scored a 47-yard touchdown on the next play to win 13-12. The NCAA has since announced a new standard timing protocol to align broadcast and replay clocks and improve consistency across college football games.
The CFP’s clarification leaves the final impact of the disputed finish to be determined by the selection committee when it ranks teams for the playoff.