Big Ten, MAC release statements on Michigan-Western Michigan finish
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The Big Ten says that its officials in Ann Arbor were correct to put 1 second back on the clock in the controversial finish of the Michigan-Western Michigan game that led to the Wolverines winning 13-12 on the final play of the game.
While the NBC broadcast showed that time expired on the unsuccessful throw to the end zone that began with 9 seconds left, the Big Ten says that when the replay booth reviewed the play, the play eneded with 1 second on the clock. The conference posted a written statement on social media alongside a video.
“Following video review, it was determined Western Michigan’s #18 started his jump from an established out-of-bounds position (left foot) and made contact with the ball with one second remaining on the clock,” the B1G statement reads. “As shown in the provided video of what was viewed during the replay process, a side-by-side view of the play and the game clock, using a direct shot of the game clock in the stadium, was used to determine the final ruling.
“Eighty-five minutes prior to the game, all broadcast cameras used for the replay system, including the camera on the game clock, are synced using a strobe system to ensure all cameras are aligned.
“Per NCAA Football rule 4-2-3-a, ‘A ball not in player control, other than a kick that scores a field goal, is out of bounds when it touches the ground, a player, a game official or anything else that is out-of-bound, or that is on or outside a boundary line.” and thus the clock is stopped.”
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A statement regarding the results of tonight's game between Michigan and Western Michigan. pic.twitter.com/DzJVN2ZLTc
— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) September 6, 2026
Though the B1G statement does not satisfy many fans and media members who feel Western Michigan had won the game, the MAC conference was satisfied with the evidence provided by the Big Ten. MAC commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher released a statement.
“Upon the conclusion of the Western Michigan-Michigan football game, the Mid-American Conference and Western Michigan contacted the Big Ten office to seek clarification regarding the replay review and the placement of time back on the game clock.,” Steinbrecher’s statement read.
“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 Big Ten subsequently provided video and audio of the replay, which confirmed the explanation provided to us.
I commend Western Michigan for an outstanding effort and a well-played game, and I offer my congratulations to Michigan.
“I also appreciate the collaborative efforts of the Big Ten office and its prompt response in reviewing the play and providing the requested clarification.”
— MACtion (@MACSports) September 6, 2026
The Big Ten’s explanation and MAC’s acceptance of the outcome are unlikely to end the debate over whether there should have been 1 second added.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
