Western Michigan accepts Big Ten replay ruling after Michigan’s late win

Western Michigan has accepted the Big Ten’s replay decision that gave Michigan one final play in a 13–12 victory, despite a discrepancy between broadcast footage and the conference’s ruling.

The Big Ten said replay officials determined Western Michigan safety Micah Davis touched the ball with one second remaining. The conference said officials used a side-by-side view with a direct view of the stadium clock to reach the decision.

Broadcast replays appeared to show the clock reaching zero while Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood’s Hail Mary was still airborne. After the second was restored, Underwood threw another Hail Mary, with JJ Buchanan catching a 47-yard touchdown pass for the win.

Western Michigan president Russ Kavalhuna said he discerned nothing “unfair or untoward” in the ruling after speaking with Big Ten officials. He described the difference between what viewers saw and what replay officials reviewed as a discrepancy.

Coach Lance Taylor said the referees did not cost the Broncos the game and urged his players not to use the decision as an excuse. Mid-American Conference commissioner Jon Steinbrecher also said the review process was properly followed.

The result denied defending MAC champions Western Michigan a first win over Michigan. Taylor said he did not like the outcome but intended to move on.