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MAC Asks NCAA to Recognize Western Michigan as Michigan Game Winner
Developing
In Short: The Mid-American Conference (MAC) is requesting the NCAA and College Football Playoff committee to reconsider the outcome of Western Michigan's loss to Michigan, citing an alleged error in replay protocol.
Following a controversial end-of-game call in Western Michigan's 13-12 loss to Michigan, the MAC is now asking the NCAA and College Football Playoff committee to recognize the Broncos as the actual winner of the game. The conference believes that the Big Ten did not properly follow replay protocol, leading to an additional play being awarded and the game's final score being altered.
Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor expressed his team's emotional state following the loss, stating, 'A lot of emotion and a physical football game. They're going to come in hurting today, and I think they're still going to be reeling when they get in.' Despite the loss, Taylor and his team are moving forward, showing resilience in the face of adversity.
The MAC's commissioner, Jon Steinbrecher, released a statement explaining that the replay protocol requires the use of the game lock displayed on the rotary feed to determine whether time remains. According to the MAC, had the protocol been followed correctly, Western Michigan would have won the game 12-7. The conference is now formally appealing the result of the game, as evidenced by a new statement released on Tuesday.
Western Michigan President Russ Kavalhuna responded to the MAC's decision, saying, 'Being bitter doesn’t make you better and this should not be mistaken for weakness or agreement.' The Big Ten, however, has not released a statement since the MAC's announcement, sticking to its original stance that proper procedures were followed.
The Big Ten has maintained its position, stating, 'We can show respect for the game while also asking serious questions; I've done both, and I'll keep doing both.' This stance has left the MAC and Western Michigan supporters hoping for a reconsideration of the game's outcome, as the conference believes there is enough evidence to support overturning the result.
What's confirmed
- It was an error in the application of the established replay protocol covering this specific end-of-game timing situation.
What's still developing
- However, after Broncos players and coaches ran onto the field in celebration, the officiating crew announced that the game's final play was under review.
- Official statement regarding the Western Michigan-Michigan football game. 🗒️: https://t.co/hhesfHYV0W pic.twitter.com/QSxN455qBl The Big Ten has not released a statement since the MAC announced its decision to appeal.
- Jon Steinbrecher initially released a statement Saturday night saying the conference had reached out to the Big Ten office seeking clarification regarding the review at the end of the game that saw one second added back to the game clock, ultimately leading to the Wolverines’ 47-yard Hail Mary.
Sources
- wilx.comlink