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NCAA Establishes New Replay Timing Protocol After Michigan-Western Michigan Controversy

The new rule says the in-stadium clock is official and replay officials must use the broadcast feed or on-screen graphic for timing changes.

  • The NCAA issued new guidance on Wednesday mandating that in-stadium clocks serve as the official time for all college football games, following a controversial officiating decision during Michigan's 13-12 victory over Western Michigan on Saturday.
  • Big Ten replay officials added one second back to the game clock after an initial pass attempt appeared incomplete, allowing Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood to connect with JJ Buchanan for a 47-yard game-winning touchdown.
  • Officials relied on an internal replay clock instead of the broadcast feed, which showed the clock hitting zero; had the new protocol been in place, Western Michigan would have won 12-7 based on the NBC broadcast display.
  • Mid-American Conference Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher requested the NCAA overturn the result on Tuesday, but the FBS Oversight Committee stated it "does not have the authority" to reverse outcomes once a head referee declares a game ended.
  • Although the new protocol mandates consistency for future games, it does not alter Saturday's scoreboard; Western Michigan remains 0-1 while Michigan heads into Week 2 undefeated against No. 11 Oklahoma.
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ESPN broke the news in United States on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
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