What Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor said about controversial final play at Michigan
By Andrew Olson
Published:
College football fans’ hearts broke for Lance Taylor’s Western Michigan team after the stunning finish in Ann Arbor that saw the referees put 1 second back on the clock and the Michigan Wolverines use that final second to throw a game-winning touchdown.
On the NBC broadcast, time had clearly expired before the ball was touched out of bounds, ending the play. Speaking to the media after the game, Taylor said his player touched the ball after the stadium clock showed 0 seconds left. He also said he knew there would be a review. As far as any action, Taylor said it would be up to MAC commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher.
“I have not seen the clip,” Taylor said, per On3. “Several people have mentioned it to me that the game was over. I think our commissioner has already reached out. Normally, he handles those types of situations and reviews. I thought the crew tonight did a really nice job handling multiple close calls and review situations… I’ll let our commissioner and those guys handle it. At the end of the day, you don’t always control those situations.
” … I know when I looked up at the clock, it was past zero before we touched it. I knew that they’d review it. It’s the last play of the game, and because we defended it so well, I wasn’t worried or concerned about our guys going out and defending it a second time. Unfortunately, we did not defend it well the second time… I’ll watch the TV copy tonight.”
Western Michigan head coach Lance Taylor on the final play of tonight’s game: pic.twitter.com/WJEBAGHaG8
— Drew Lenard (@drew_lenardd) September 6, 2026
With the MAC releasing a statement saying it accepts the Big Ten’s explanation for putting 1 second back on the clock, it appears Western Michigan and its conference won’t be taking any further action when it comes to the result of the game.
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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.
