College football’s most controversial finishes revisited after Michigan’s win over Western Michigan
A review of several historic college football games with disputed endings highlights how officiating errors have repeatedly influenced outcomes, from a fifth-down win in 1990 to recent clock and replay controversies.
Michigan edged Western Michigan 13-12 on Saturday to open the 2026 season, adding another disputed finish to a long list of contentious conclusions in college football. Analysts note that despite advances in technology and officiating crews, errors still shape results.
One of the earliest incidents occurred in 1990 when Colorado was mistakenly granted a fifth down and used it to beat Missouri 33-31, a play that helped Colorado share a national championship that season. In the 2009 Big 12 Championship, Texas coach Mack Brown argued that one second remained on the clock after a play appeared to end the game; a review restored the final second, allowing a 46-yard field goal that gave Texas a 13-12 victory.
A 2016 matchup between Central Michigan and Oklahoma State featured a misapplied rule that awarded Central Michigan an untimed down, leading to a last-second touchdown. The 2002 BCS Championship saw Ohio State advance after a controversial pass-interference call against Miami in overtime.
Michigan’s own history includes the 2001 “Clockgate” loss to Michigan State, where a home-team timekeeper allegedly stopped the clock with one second left, enabling a game-winning touchdown. In 2016, Ohio State’s double-overtime win over Michigan hinged on a fourth-down spot that many argued was incorrect; Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh later expressed disappointment and was fined.
More recent examples include a 2024 game in which Virginia Tech’s apparent game-winning Hail Mary was overturned after review determined the ball had been touched out of bounds, giving Miami a 38-34 win. The ACC’s statement clarified the reversal.
These episodes illustrate recurring challenges in ensuring accurate officiating, prompting calls for clearer protocols and consistent use of replay technology.