MAC appealing Western Michigan-Michigan game result after controversial game clock decision
Sportsworks 9-6-26 -- Woody, Stoney & Riger's spirited discussion on WMU-UM finish plus MSU, Lions & TIgers
Woody Woodriffe was joined by Mike Stone and Jeff Riger for a spirited discussion on the WMU-UM controversy, plus the latest on MSU football, Lions and TIgers.
(FOX 2) - The MAC is appealing the end-result of the Western Michigan-Michigan football game that ended on a controversial decision to add one second back onto the game clock that ended with the Wolverines scoring on a last-second Hail Mary.
In a statement issued on their website, the MAC said it had submitted a formal appeal to the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee, requesting "those bodies recognize Western Michigan as the actual winner of the game."
Western Michigan-UM game
The request comes following a controversial end to both teams' first game of the season when the Wolverines won 13-12.
The backstory:
Western Michigan went into the game's final drive up 12-7 when it appeared they had pulled a massive upset over the heavily-favored Wolverines.
Following a last-second throw from Bryce Underwood when the ball was deflected out of bounds, the game clock read 0:00 remaining. After a review from referees, crews decided to put one last second on the game clock, extending the series by one more down.
JJ Buchanan caught the next throw, scoring a touchdown and giving Michigan the lead.
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 05: JJ Buchanan #6 of the Michigan Wolverines catches a game winning pass with no time left on the clock to beat the Western Michigan Broncos 13-12 at Michigan Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Pho
What they're saying:
The MAC's statement argues that the Big Ten Conference replay crew erroneously put more time back onto the clock.
"This was not a judgment regarding the proper amount of time to place on the clock. It was an error in the application of the established replay protocol governing this specific end-of-game timing situation. Had the protocol been properly followed and the program-feed clock been used, no additional play would have been awarded, and Western Michigan would have won the game, 12–7.
"As a result, the Mid-American Conference has submitted formal appeals to the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and the College Football Playoff. The MAC is requesting 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 other corrective action as may be within their authority."
The Source: Previous reporting and the MAC were cited for this story.