Western Michigan president maintains the Broncos won the contested game against Michigan

Western Michigan University president Russ Kavalhuna told CBS Sports that his school believes it won the 13-12 game against Michigan, despite the Big Ten’s decision to add one second to the clock that allowed Michigan to score a last-second touchdown. The NCAA issued a timing protocol on Tuesday directing replay officials to use the embedded game clock in the broadcast feed, a rule that, according to a memo obtained by ESPN, would have favored Western Michigan.

The Mid-American Conference filed formal appeals with the NCAA’s FBS Oversight Committee and the College Football Playoff committee, requesting that the result be changed. The NCAA responded that its rules contain no provision for overturning a game’s outcome, leaving the CFP committee to consider the appeal when ranking teams later in the season.

Kavalhuna said he has faced criticism for his stance but remains firm, noting that Western Michigan “can’t be the entity shaking its fist and saying we’re the experts on these types of NCAA protocols.” He praised the NCAA’s new clock-procedure rule, calling it a positive development that should prevent similar disputes.

College Football Playoff executive director Rich Clark indicated the MAC’s request would be reviewed by the playoff management committee, though no decision has been made. Kavalhuna endorsed the substance of the MAC’s appeal, stating that Western Michigan was the better team on the field and that the outcome should be considered when playoff selections are made.

The university has focused on moving forward, holding a press conference with head coach Lance Taylor to discuss acceptance and future goals, while acknowledging the disappointment felt by players and fans.