Mid-American Conference Appeals to NCAA Over Michigan Game Clock Decision
The MAC has filed an appeal with the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and the College Football Playoff, arguing that replay protocol errors gave Michigan an extra play that changed the outcome of its game against Western Michigan.
The Mid-American Conference announced Tuesday that it has formally appealed to the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Oversight Committee and the College Football Playoff, requesting that Western Michigan be recognized as the winner of its season-opening game against Michigan. The appeal follows a controversial replay review in the final seconds, where officials added one second to the game clock and allowed Michigan a second Hail Mary attempt that resulted in a touchdown.
In a statement, the MAC said an investigation showed the replay crew used a clock feed embedded in its system rather than the program-feed clock shown on the broadcast, which the conference says violates established replay protocol. "After further study and investigation, it is now evident that replay protocol was not properly followed," the statement read. It added that the error, not the amount of time, led to the additional play.
The conference is asking the NCAA bodies to recognize Western Michigan as the "actual winner" for purposes of rankings and selection deliberations and to take any corrective action within their authority. The Big Ten conference, which oversees the game, issued a brief response stating it stands by the replay officials' determination and will not comment further.
NCAA rules require that video evidence for reviews come from the televised production of the game. While the MAC argues this rule supports its case, analysts note that overturning a result after the fact is rare, especially when a major program is involved. The appeal underscores the conference’s support for its member school after the disputed outcome.