MAC appeals Michigan game outcome, seeks Western Michigan recognition
The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has filed formal appeals with both the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and the College Football Playoff, requesting that Western Michigan be recognized as the winner of its recent game against Michigan. The appeal stems from a controversial ending to the game where Michigan secured a 13-12 victory with a last-second touchdown.
According to the MAC, an error in replay protocol led to an additional second being placed back on the game clock. This decision allowed Bryce Underwood to connect with JJ Buchanan for a 47-yard touchdown as time expired, overturning what would have been a 12-7 victory for Western Michigan.
Replay Protocol Under Scrutiny
Dr. Jon Steinbrecher, the commissioner of the MAC, stated that a thorough study and investigation revealed that established replay protocol was not properly followed. The protocol mandates the use of the game clock displayed on the program feed when determining remaining time. However, the Big Ten Conference replay crew reportedly used a clock feed embedded within its own replay system.
The MAC’s statement clarified that this was not a judgment call regarding the amount of time, but rather an error in applying the established replay protocol for end-of-game timing situations. Had the correct protocol been followed, and the program-feed clock utilized, no additional play would have occurred, and Western Michigan would have won the game.
The conference is seeking recognition for Western Michigan as the actual winner for the purposes of rankings, evaluations, and selection deliberations by the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and the College Football Playoff. They are also requesting other corrective actions within the authority of these bodies.
Big Ten Stands by Decision Amid Criticism
Despite the MAC’s appeal, the Big Ten has publicly supported the officiating crew’s decision to add a second back to the clock. The conference stated that it was determined that a Western Michigan player started a jump from an out-of-bounds position and made contact with the ball with one second remaining on the clock.
Western Michigan president Russ Kavalhuna, however, responded by suggesting that the Big Ten‘s replay process is not “as good as it could be.” This sentiment echoes criticisms from some sports commentators.
Former Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky expressed skepticism regarding the Big Ten‘s explanation. Speaking on a sports program, Orlovsky questioned why, with current technology, game officials and television networks could not synchronize their clocks. He noted that his own observation showed the clock hitting zero before the Western Michigan player touched the ball.
Orlovsky described the Big Ten‘s explanation as feeling like “lying” and asserted that the game should have been over. He emphasized that if viewers do not have an appropriate clock, the purpose of watching is diminished.
Another commentator, Stephen A. Smith, also voiced his doubts, calling the explanation “nonsense.” Smith highlighted the discrepancy between the two clocks being referenced, suggesting it was “absolutely ridiculous” to reach the conclusion that was made. He also alluded to potential financial implications for Western Michigan, which reportedly received a payment from Michigan for the game.
While Western Michigan officials, including president Russ Kavalhuna and head coach Lance Taylor, have publicly accepted the Big Ten‘s explanation, the MAC’s formal appeal indicates a continued challenge to the game’s outcome. The Big Ten‘s explanation was provided early Sunday morning, approximately two hours after the game concluded.
The controversial ending saw Western Michigan, who were considered significant underdogs, come within one second of what could have been a historic victory for the program.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
