NCAA Oversight Committee Confirms Replay Protocol Errors in Michigan's Win Over Western Michigan

<p>The NCAA's FBS Oversight Committee stated that officials did not follow the correct replay protocol during the game between Western Michigan and Michigan on September 2, 2026. As a result, if the protocol had been adhered to, Michigan would have lost the game.</p><p>The game concluded with Michigan winning 13-12 after a second Hail Mary attempt in the final seconds. The controversy arose over whether Michigan should have been awarded an additional second on the clock. The FBS Oversight Committee determined that the officials' review process was flawed.</p><p>During the first Hail Mary attempt, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood's pass went out of the end zone. However, a Western Michigan player touched the ball with one second remaining, allowing Michigan to attempt another play. Underwood successfully connected with a receiver for the winning touchdown.</p><p>The NCAA noted that the Big Ten officials were using a different game clock than what was broadcasted on NBC, leading to confusion among viewers. The television clock indicated that time had expired, while the officials had a different perspective.</p><p>The FBS Oversight Committee released a summary stating, "The committee consulted with national officiating leadership regarding the instant replay protocols. Based on that information, the committee agreed that the instant replay protocols were not followed in the contest’s second-to-last play. Had the protocols been followed, the outcome of the game would have been different." However, the committee confirmed that it does not have the authority to overturn the game's result, as once the referee declares a contest final, no appeal is permitted according to NCAA rules.</p><p>As a result, Michigan retains its victory over Western Michigan, despite the controversy surrounding the game.</p>