MAC Files Appeal with NCAA over WMU's Loss to Michigan, Says Replay Protocol Wasn't Followed Bleacher Report MAC wants Western Michigan recognized as winner vs. Michigan ESPN Official Statement Regarding Western Michigan...
Another layer was added to the controversy surrounding Michigan's last-second win over Western Michigan in Saturday night's season opener.
The MAC filed a formal appeal with the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee on Tuesday, asserting that "replay protocol was not properly followed" at the end of Saturday's game and requesting that Western Michigan be recognized as the winner.
The Big Ten responded with a statement, via Ross Dellenger of Yahoo:
"The Big Ten stands by the statement released following the conclusion of the Western Michigan at Michigan game and the determination made by the replay officials. We will have no further comment on the matter."
According to a memo obtained by ESPN's Jake Trotter , the NCAA is issuing new guidance "to establish a standard timing protocol that ensures consistency in the administration of all college football games," following Western Michigan's loss.
"The official time for all college football games is the time displayed on the in-stadium game clock," the memo said. "When a replay review requires time to be restored or otherwise adjusted, the replay official's decision will be based on the embedded game clock contained within the program feed. If the broadcaster is unable to provide an embedded game clock, the replay official will use the game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed.
"This timing protocol should be followed consistently at all institutions and game sites."
If that guidance were in place during Saturday's game, Western Michigan would have won 12-7 as Michigan would not have been given an extra play.
The Wolverines entered the year ranked No. 16 in the AP Top 25, but they needed some extra help to avoid a major upset against the Broncos.
After Bryce Underwood's Hail Mary pass sailed out of bounds as time expired, one second was put back on the clock following a disputed replay decision. Underwood's second Hail Mary attempt was caught by JJ Buchanan for a 47-yard touchdown to give Michigan a 13-12 victory. Despite the win, the Wolverines were knocked out of the Top 25.
The Big Ten stood by the controversial replay review in a statement released two hours after the game.
"It was determined Western Michigan No. 18 started his jump from an established out-of-bounds position [left foot] and made contact with the ball with one second remaining on the clock," the statement said, citing the rule that stops the clock on such contact.
Western Michigan president Russ Kavalhuna told ESPN's Jake Trotter that the Big Ten's replay review process isn't "as good as it could be."
"And that's because what the [TV] viewers see in a pivotal question is different than what the review process shows," Kavalhuna said. "Is there a real reason why we can't have those things equal? And if there is, let's try and fix that. And if there isn't a real reason why we can't have those things synced up, then we should sync them up so that everybody who's watching at home doesn't start to wonder what happened."
It now appears that the MAC isn't willing to go down without fighting to rectify the situation for the Broncos. Western Michigan will try to bounce back against Monmouth on Saturday, while Michigan will face a tough test against No. 11 Oklahoma.
Reporting synthesized and verified under Nexvoro.tech editorial guidelines. Full primary records referenced via Google News US Sports.
Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams dominated the gridiron as the Los Angeles Rams cruised to a commanding 28-6 victory over the New York Giants. However, the lopsided affair was severely marred by a potentially devastating MCL sprain suffered by Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
NFL legend Aaron Donald made a triumphant and surprising return to the gridiron, wreaking havoc in the Los Angeles Rams' dominant rout of the New York Giants. The defensive powerhouse admitted the game felt surprisingly slow despite his two-year retirement.
The New York Giants' promising start to the season crashed to a halt on September 21, 2026, after a 28-6 blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams was overshadowed by a severe knee injury to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. Initial medical evaluations point to an MCL sprain, throwing the franchise's offensive strategy into immediate turmoil.
