Event
The Mid-American Conference has formally appealed to the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and College Football Playoff, arguing that Big Ten replay protocol was not followed in Michigan’s controversial 13–12 win. The MAC says an extra second and play were wrongly added, and Western Michigan should be treated as the 12–7 winner for ranking and postseason deliberations.
2 published stories · college-football · source reliability 67%
The Mid-American Conference says replay protocol was breached in Michigan’s 13–12 win and wants Western Michigan considered the 12–7 winner in postseason deliberations.
Background
The Mid-American Conference has appealed to the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and College Football Playoff over Michigan’s controversial 13–12 win against Western Michigan. The MAC alleges Big Ten replay protocol was breached when one second was restored, allowing Michigan another Hail Mary attempt. It argues Western Michigan should be treated as the 12–7 winner for ranking and postseason deliberations. The appeal reflects the MAC’s position; no ruling changing the official result is reported.
The Mid-American Conference has appealed to the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and College Football Playoff over Michigan’s controversial 13–12 win against Western Michigan. The MAC alleges Big Ten replay protocol was breached when one second was restored, allowing Michigan another
Fact cards
Key entities: Mid-American Conference, NCAA FBS Oversight Committee, Big Ten Conference, Michigan, Western Michigan.
What is the MAC asking for? It wants Western Michigan treated as the 12–7 winner for ranking and postseason deliberations. What replay issue does the MAC allege? It says officials used a replay-system clock feed instead of the required broadcast rotary-feed clock and wrongly rest
CBS Sports | https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/mac-urges-cfp-ncaa-western-michigan-winner-michigan-controversy | published 2026-09-08T19:25:05.000Z | primary source | CBS Sports | Primary report on the MAC statement, alleged replay-protocol breach and formal appeals
2026-09-07: Western Michigan was reported to have accepted the Big Ten replay decision and not planned an appeal. Approximate game conclusion: An initial Michigan Hail Mary attempt fell incomplete; officials restored one second after replay review. Approximate game conclusion: Mi
Timeline
Western Michigan was reported to have accepted the Big Ten replay decision and not planned an appeal.
An initial Michigan Hail Mary attempt fell incomplete; officials restored one second after replay review.
Michigan used the additional second for a subsequent Hail Mary, caught by JJ Buchanan for a 47-yard touchdown, producing a 13–12 win.
The MAC formally appealed to the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and College Football Playoff.
FAQ
It wants Western Michigan treated as the 12–7 winner for ranking and postseason deliberations.
It says officials used a replay-system clock feed instead of the required broadcast rotary-feed clock and wrongly restored one second.
Not according to the available material; the appeal has not been reported as upheld.
Western Michigan president Russ Kavalhuna publicly supported the MAC commissioner’s action.
It says replay protocol was not properly followed when one second was restored.
It wants Western Michigan recognised as the winner and has requested related corrective action affecting rankings, evaluations and selection deliberations.
It previously said video showed a Western Michigan player touching the ball with one second remaining.
No; the available material does not report acceptance of the MAC’s requested remedy.