NCAA admits replay errors, reiterates it cannot change result of Western Michigan-Michigan game

Indianapolis (AP) — Western Michigan and its conference have maintained Michigan should not have been awarded an extra second during a pivotal victory over the Broncos two weeks ago. The NCAA has acknowledged this stance but cannot change the game's outcome. During the Sept. 5 contest, the Wolverines secured a 13-12 triumph with a Hail Mary pass that followed a replay official adding 1 second back to the clock when Michigan's quarterback Bryce Underwood's initial attempt was incomplete.

The Mid-American Conference had initially supported the Big Ten's explanation of the game's conclusion but later joined Western Michigan in requesting the result to be altered. The NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee announced on Wednesday that the replay protocols were not adhered to in the game's final play. While the committee acknowledged this oversight, it reiterated that it lacks the authority to overturn the game's result.

The NCAA's playing rules dictate that once a referee declares a contest final, no appeal of the outcome is permitted.