Full Breakdown
MAC Appeals Michigan Win After Controversial One-Second Replay
9/9/2026, 10:18:57 AM
Contested Game Ending
On September 5, 2026, the Michigan Wolverines defeated the Western Michigan Broncos 13–12 after officials added one second to the game clock during a replay review. The extra second allowed quarterback Bryce Underwood to launch a second Hail Mary pass, which safety JJ Buchanan caught for the winning touchdown. The stadium clock and the television broadcast both showed 0:00 after the first attempt, but the Big Ten replay crew used an internal clock feed that indicated one second remained.
Background & Context
The Mid-American Conference (MAC) argues that the Big Ten replay officials violated protocol by relying on a separate clock embedded in their system. The Big Ten maintains its clock was synchronized with the stadium clock and that the ball was touched out of bounds before time expired, justifying the additional play.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Michigan 13, Western Michigan 12.
- Clock situation: Stadium and broadcast clocks read 0:00 after the first Hail Mary; Big Ten replay clock showed 1 second remaining.
- Rankings impact: Michigan dropped out of the preseason AP Top 25 poll after the game.
Official Statements & Responses
The MAC, through Commissioner Jon A. Steinbrecher, filed formal appeals to the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and the College Football Playoff, requesting that the Broncos be recognized as the “actual winner” for ranking purposes. The conference’s statement emphasized that the replay protocol was not properly followed and that the error directly affected the outcome.
The Big Ten issued a brief statement standing by its original determination and declined further comment.
Western Michigan President Russ Kavalhuna expressed gratitude for the MAC’s support while noting that the university had previously believed no appeal was possible.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After further study and investigation, it is now evident that replay protocol was not properly followed in determining whether time remained on the game clock.” — Jon A. Steinbrecher, MAC commissioner
- “The established replay protocol requires that the game clock displayed on the program feed be used in determining whether time remained.” — Jon A. Steinbrecher, MAC commissioner
- “Had the prescribed protocol been followed and the program-feed clock been used, no additional time would have been restored, no additional play would have been awarded and Western Michigan would have won the game 12–7,” — Jon A. Steinbrecher, MAC commissioner
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on which clock should have governed the replay decision. The Big Ten points to a rule granting officials control over the game clock, stating its internal clock was properly synchronized and that the ball was out of bounds before the clock hit zero.
The NCAA has indicated it lacks authority to overturn a result based solely on a replay-timing dispute, leaving the appeal’s outcome uncertain.
What’s Next
The MAC’s appeals will be reviewed by the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and the College Football Playoff selection committee. Both bodies have indicated they do not possess a mechanism to reverse a game result after the final whistle, suggesting the official score will likely remain unchanged. The MAC may continue to lobby for recognition of Western Michigan as the winner for ranking and postseason evaluation purposes.
