College Football Playoff says it can't overturn Michigan-Western Michigan result, but indicates selection committee will account for ending

The College Football Playoff (CFP) has declared that the result of the Michigan-Western Michigan game is final, with the Wolverines defeating the Broncos 13-12. However, the CFP statement indicates that it will take the ending of the game into consideration when determining the team's ranking for the playoffs.

The CFP has responded to the Mid-American Conference's (MAC) request to recognize Western Michigan as the winner of the Week 1 game. While the CFP acknowledged the concerns raised by the MAC, it emphasized that it does not have the authority to change or alter the outcome of regular season games.

The CFP selection committee evaluates teams based on their comprehensive body of work over the entire season, considering various factors such as opponent strength, schedule strength, and record strength. The committee's evaluation is based on comparing the full profile of a team's performance rather than relying on any single metric.

The specific controversy surrounding this game arises from a controversial replay decision made during the game on September 5. Michigan's Hail Mary pass appeared to be incomplete in the end zone, but replay showed the clock striking zero while the ball was still in the air. The Big Ten replay center decided to add one second back onto the clock, which ultimately allowed Michigan to score a touchdown on the next play and win the game.

The NCAA has since announced that it will implement a standard timing protocol to ensure consistency in the administration of college football games. This decision was prompted by the confusion caused by different clocks being used by the broadcast and replay center. The CFP's selection committee will now have to consider the impact of this decision on Michigan's playoff ranking.