Michigan football should have lost to WMU, NCAA says in statement
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- The NCAA admitted that instant replay protocols were not properly followed during the controversial ending of Michigan's 13-12 victory over Western Michigan, and that the correct outcome should have been a 12-7 win for Western Michigan.
- Despite acknowledging the error, the NCAA stated it has no authority to overturn game results, citing rules that declare the score final once the referee ends the game.
- The controversy centered on a second being erroneously added back to the clock, allowing Michigan to complete a game-winning Hail Mary pass on the final play.
- NBC's broadcast showed the game clock had expired before the final play, but the NCAA emphasized officials must rely on the embedded game clock or broadcast graphics for replay decisions, not the broadcaster's statements.
- Official records will maintain Michigan's 13-12 victory despite the NCAA's acknowledgment of the officiating error and Western Michigan's protests.
