MAC challenges Michigan result after disputed replay decision
The Mid-American Conference has asked the NCAA and College Football Playoff to recognise Western Michigan after Michigan’s 13–12 win, but the NCAA says the result cannot be overturned.
The Mid-American Conference has appealed Michigan’s 13–12 win over Western Michigan, asking the NCAA and College Football Playoff to recognise the Broncos as the winner for ranking and postseason deliberations.
MAC commissioner Jon A. Steinbrecher said further investigation found that Big Ten replay officials did not follow the required procedure for determining whether time remained. The MAC alleges officials used a clock embedded in the replay system rather than the clock shown on the programme feed.
According to the conference, that decision restored one second and created an additional play. Michigan used it for a second Hail Mary, with JJ Buchanan catching Bryce Underwood’s 47-yard touchdown pass.
The initial attempt had been ruled to have occurred after time expired, with stadium and television clocks showing zeroes. Michigan’s win remains the recorded result, and Western Michigan has never previously defeated the Wolverines.
The NCAA said its football rules provide no mechanism to overturn a game’s outcome and that the FBS Oversight Committee does not have the authority to reverse it. The Big Ten has also reaffirmed the replay decision.
The MAC’s appeal reverses Steinbrecher’s earlier position that the process had been followed. Western Michigan president Russ Kavalhuna said the conference’s action supported the team while raising serious questions about the decision.
