Big Ten defends one-second ruling in Michigan’s Hail Mary win
The conference released replay footage supporting its decision to restore one second, giving Michigan another play in its 13–12 win over Western Michigan.
The Big Ten has released replay footage supporting its decision to restore one second to the clock during Michigan’s 13–12 win over Western Michigan.
The conference said Western Michigan’s Micah Davis touched the ball with one second remaining during Michigan’s initial Hail Mary attempt, which fell incomplete. Officials then added the second back, allowing Michigan a subsequent Hail Mary that secured the victory.
NBC footage appeared to show its on-screen clock at 0:00 when Davis touched the ball. NBC said its broadcast clock is not the official game clock, with timekeeping instead the responsibility of the Big Ten and game officials.
NBC rules analyst Terry McAuley said a possible synchronisation issue could explain the discrepancy. The broadcast display may have started a fraction of a second early, although the precise cause of the difference has not been independently established.
Western Michigan president Russ Kavalhuna and coach Lance Taylor said they accepted the outcome. Taylor said officials did not cost the team the game.
