The Mid-American Conference formally appealed the result of a Michigan versus Western Michigan football game played Saturday night, contending that an officiating mistake directly influenced the final outcome. Michigan prevailed 13-12 after a replay official restored one second to the game clock, allowing the Wolverines to attempt one final play that resulted in a Hail Mary completion for the winning score.
MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher submitted appeals to both the NCAA and the College Football Playoff committee, arguing that the circumstances warranted extraordinary consideration. He contended that the replay crew failed to follow established protocol for end-of-game timing situations. Specifically, Steinbrecher stated that the proper procedure required using the game clock displayed on the broadcast feed to determine whether time had expired, rather than the clock used by officials. The Big Ten, which governs Michigan, had initially defended the decision immediately following the game by releasing a recording of the replay review.
The replay showed the game clock at one second when Western Michigan’s Micah Davis, who was out of bounds, made contact with the ball. According to league rules, the clock should have stopped at that moment. Western Michigan and the MAC accepted the Big Ten’s explanation initially but reversed course after further review. Steinbrecher stated that had the correct protocol been followed using the broadcast clock, no additional play would have been allowed and Western Michigan would have won 12-7.
The appeal carries particular significance given the College Football Playoff’s selection process in December, which determines which teams receive substantial financial benefits through playoff participation. Western Michigan was designated the preseason favorite in the MAC, and the highest-ranked team from several conferences, including the MAC, receives an automatic playoff bid. Michigan, which was ranked No. 16 in the preseason AP Top 25 poll, dropped out of the rankings following Tuesday’s appeal announcement.
Game results are rarely modified after competition concludes outside of NCAA sanctions for rules violations, though controversial officiating decisions have occasionally affected outcomes throughout college football history. Messengers sought comment from the NCAA, CFP, Big Ten Conference and Michigan regarding the appeal.
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