MAC challenges Michigan result over disputed replay decision

The Mid-American Conference has appealed Michigan’s 13–12 victory over Western Michigan, arguing that replay protocol was not properly followed when one second was restored to the game clock.

Michigan won after a second Hail Mary attempt produced a touchdown. The initial attempt had been ruled to have occurred after time expired, with the stadium clock and television feed showing zeroes.

The Big Ten previously said a separate clock embedded in its replay system showed that time remained. Western Michigan and the MAC initially accepted that explanation, while Western Michigan president Russ Kavalhuna said he did not see anything unfair or improper in the decision.

That position changed after further review, according to MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher. He said the established protocol required officials to use the clock displayed on the programme feed, but the replay crew instead relied on a clock feed embedded in the replay system.

The MAC says the error led to one second being placed back on the clock and an additional play being awarded. Steinbrecher said that, had the required protocol been followed, no further play would have occurred and Western Michigan would have won 12–7.

The conference is asking the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee and College Football Playoff administrators to recognise Western Michigan as the winner for rankings, evaluations and selection deliberations. The NCAA and CFP had not responded, and no change to the official result had been confirmed.