MAC urges CFP and NCAA to recognize Western Michigan as winner over Michigan
That’s right, despite Western Michigan’s 13-12 loss in Ann Arbor, the MAC believes there is enough evidence to support the idea that the Big Ten did not properly follow the replay protocol and that the CFP selection committee should view the result differently.
The MAC statement, attributed to Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher, reads:
“After further study and investigation, it is now evident that the replay protocol was not adequately followed to determine the time remaining on the game clock at the conclusion of the football game between Western Michigan and Michigan.
The replay setting protocol requires that the game lock displayed on the rotating screen be used to determine if time remains. Instead, the Big Ten Conference replay team relied on the clock built into its replay system. As a result, the game clock was delayed by one second and an extra play was awarded.
This was not a judgment on the appropriate amount of time to put on the clock. It was an error in the application of the established replay protocol that covers this specific end-of-game timing situation. If protocol had been followed correctly and the program’s broadcast clock had been used, no additional plays would have been awarded and Western Michigan would have won the game, 12-7.
As a result, the MAC has filed formal appeals with the NCAA FBS and College Football Playoff Oversight Committee. “The MAC requests that those bodies recognize Western Michigan as the actual winner of the game for purposes of their respective rankings, evaluations and selection deliberations, and take such corrective action as is within their authority.”
Western Michigan expressed support for Steinbrecher’s actions on Tuesday.
“Being bitter does not make you better and this should not be confused with weakness or agreement,” WMU President Russ Kavalhuna said in a statement. “We can show respect for the game and at the same time ask serious questions; I have done both and will continue to do both.”
Instead of dwelling on the disputed call at the end of the game, Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor is moving on from the loss.
“When I walked into the locker room, the first thing I told them was that I was proud of them, that I love them and that they should keep their heads up high for what they did last night,” Taylor said. “And they should. And whether you win or lose that game, it doesn’t take away from how they played and what they put on display. And that was evident.”
Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor said Sunday that he didn’t want the narrative of the game to focus on a single call or the fact that many believe his team was “fooled” by the officiating crew.
“A heartbreaking, heartbreaking loss on the last play. There’s a lot of emotion and a physical football game,” Taylor said. “They’re going to come in hurt today, and I think they’re still going to be reeling when they come in. But, again, it’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you respond, and I think that’s my message to our staff: ‘What are the things we need to get better at from a coaching standpoint and a player standpoint?'”
In the final seconds of Saturday’s game, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood threw a pass that went out of bounds as the broadcast clock expired, signaling the end of the contest and what appeared to be a 12-7 victory for Western Michigan.
However, after the Broncos players and coaches ran onto the field to celebrate, the officiating crew announced that the final play of the game was under review. Another second was added to the game clock, giving Michigan and Underwood another final push.
Underwood’s pass was caught by a leaping JJ Buchanan just beyond the goal line on a game-winning 47-yard touchdown.
Michigan (1-0), previously ranked 16th in the preseason, dropped out AP Top 25 Poll Updated Tuesday after the victory.
