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MAC Asks NCAA to Recognize Western Michigan as Michigan Game Winner
Confirmed
In Short: The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has appealed to the NCAA to recognize Western Michigan as the winner of its game against Michigan, citing an 'extraordinary' circumstance.
According to reports, the MAC has asked the NCAA and College Football Playoff administrators to recognize Western Michigan as the winner of the game, despite Michigan's controversial victory. The NCAA has stated that the result will stand, as its rules do not provide a protocol for overturning game outcomes.
The MAC cited an in-stadium game clock showing 1 second remaining when the ball was touched by Western Michigan's Micah Davis, suggesting that the team should have won 12-7. Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher argued that the television truck should have been contacted to use the in-stadium clock, which would have resulted in no additional time or plays and a Western Michigan victory.
Steinbrecher, in a letter to the FBS Oversight Committee, stated, '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.' The MAC believes this situation is unprecedented, as no college football game has ever been officially overturned in history.
The Big Ten has declined to comment further on the matter, while Western Michigan was voted the preseason favorite in the MAC, suggesting the possibility of its inclusion in the College Football Playoff rankings.
What's still developing
- “I recognize that the oversight committee does not ordinarily alter results recorded on the field,” Steinbrecher said.
- (AP) — After review, the Mid-American Conference wants Western Michigan recognized as having defeated Michigan after all.
- The Big Ten on Tuesday stood by its postgame statement and declined further comment.
- “Accordingly, I respectfully request that the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee recognize Western Michigan University as the actual winner of this contest, 12–7, and take such action as is within its authority to reflect that determination in NCAA records, rankings, postseason consideration and any other appropriate NCAA purposes,” Steinbrecher said.
- The formal request comes three days after Michigan secured a victory on a controversial walk-off Hail Mary play.