The Mid-American Conference has released an official statement addressing the controversial ending of Saturday’s Western Michigan–Michigan football game and the decision to restore time to the game clock.
Michigan escaped with a dramatic victory after appearing to run out of time, only for officials to award the Wolverines one additional play following a replay review.
Following the conclusion of the game, the MAC and Western Michigan contacted the Big Ten office seeking clarification regarding both the replay review and the decision to put time back on the clock.
According to the MAC, the Big Ten explained that the football touched a Western Michigan player who was out of bounds before the clock reached 00:00.
That determination resulted in one additional play being awarded to Michigan.
The Big Ten subsequently provided the MAC with video and audio of the replay, which the conference said confirmed the explanation provided by the Big Ten.
“The Big Ten explained that the ball touched a player who was out of bounds before the clock reached 00:00, resulting in one additional play being awarded,” the MAC said in its statement. “The Big Ten subsequently provided video and audio of the replay, which confirmed the explanation provided to us.”
The MAC also praised Western Michigan for its performance despite the heartbreaking conclusion.
“I commend Western Michigan for an outstanding effort and a well-played game, and I offer my congratulations to Michigan,” the statement read.
The conference also thanked the Big Ten for its response and cooperation in reviewing the controversial sequence.
“I also appreciate the collaborative efforts of the Big Ten office and its prompt response in reviewing the play and providing the requested clarification,” the MAC added.
What Happened?
The controversy centered on the final moments of the game, when Michigan appeared to have run out of time. The subsequent replay review determined that the ball had made contact with a Western Michigan player who was out of bounds before the clock expired.
That ruling gave Michigan one more opportunity.
The Wolverines took advantage, turning the extra play into a stunning game-winning moment and escaping with the victory.
For Western Michigan, the ruling added an especially painful ending to what had been an impressive effort against one of college football’s nationally prominent programs.
While the ruling generated immediate debate among fans and observers, the MAC says the Big Ten’s replay evidence confirmed the explanation given to the conference.
Bottom line: According to the MAC, the additional second/play was not simply added arbitrarily. The replay determined that the ball touched a Western Michigan player who was out of bounds before the clock reached zero, allowing another play to be run.
The dramatic ending will likely remain one of the most talked-about moments of the opening weekend of the college football season.
