MAC to appeal controversial Western Michigan loss, says replay error gave UM extra second

Key Points:

• Mid-American Conference Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher stated that video replay officials did not follow proper protocol when they added a second back to the clock at the end of the Western Michigan-Michigan game, influencing the final outcome.
• The replay officials used a clock feed embedded in their replay system rather than the game clock displayed on the broadcast, leading to an extra second being added and an additional play that allowed Michigan to score a game-winning touchdown.
• The MAC, supported by Western Michigan, has requested the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and the College Football Playoff to overturn the game's result, arguing that Western Michigan should be recognized as the rightful winner due to the officiating error.
• The established replay protocol requires using the game clock visible on the broadcast feed to determine if time remains, a guideline not followed in this case, which is considered an extraordinary circumstance by the MAC.
• Fox rules expert Mike Pereira confirmed that college replay officials are advised to use broadcast clock angles to avoid perceptions of impropriety and ensure transparency in timing decisions.