NCAA sets timing protocol after disputed Michigan win
The NCAA says Michigan’s 13–12 victory over Western Michigan cannot be overturned, but has issued new rules for timing decisions during replay reviews.
The NCAA will introduce a standard timing protocol for college football after replay officials restored one second and awarded Michigan an additional play in its disputed 13–12 win over Western Michigan.
The guidance says the in-stadium game clock is the official time for college football games. When a replay review requires time to be restored or adjusted, officials must use the embedded game clock in the programme feed, or the broadcast game-clock graphic if that feed is unavailable.
The decision gave Michigan another attempt after the clock appeared to reach zero while a Hail Mary pass was in the air. JJ Buchanan caught the second attempt for a 47-yard touchdown, securing the win.
Mid-American Conference commissioner Jon A. Steinbrecher said further investigation found the established replay protocol was not followed. The MAC asked the NCAA to overturn the result and requested that the College Football Playoff selection committee recognise Western Michigan as the actual winner.
The NCAA said its rules contain no mechanism to overturn the outcome of a completed game, while the FBS oversight committee lacks the authority to reverse it. Under NCAA rules, scores become final when the referee declares the game ended.
The College Football Playoff said it had received the MAC’s appeal and was reviewing it. The NCAA’s new protocol is intended to ensure timing decisions are applied consistently across institutions and game sites.
