NCAA Says Michigan Win Cannot Be Overturned

Michigan’s controversial win over Western Michigan will officially stand, even though the NCAA found that proper replay procedures could have changed the outcome.

The Division I FBS Oversight Committee reviewed the timing controversy from the Sept. 5 matchup after the Mid-American Conference formally requested that Western Michigan be recognized as the winner.

The NCAA confirmed that it does not have the authority to change the result after officials have declared a game final.

Under NCAA rules, once the referee declares a game over, the score becomes final, and the outcome cannot be appealed.

However, the committee also determined that proper instant replay protocols were not followed during the second-to-last play of the game.

The NCAA acknowledged the error, stating: “Had the protocols been followed, the outcome of the game would have been different.”

The controversy centered around how the game clock was handled during replay review. After reviewing the situation, the NCAA clarified how officials should determine the time remaining when replay requires the clock to be adjusted.

“When a replay review requires time to be restored or otherwise adjusted, the replay official’s decision will be based on the embedded game clock contained within the program feed. If the broadcaster is unable to provide an embedded game clock, the replay official will use the game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed.”

The clarification comes after MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher challenged the handling of the ending and the conference formally asked the NCAA to overturn the result.

Although the committee agreed that replay protocols were not properly followed and that following them would have produced a different outcome, NCAA rules prevent it from changing the final score.

Michigan’s victory will remain in the record books.