Big Ten conference doubles down on Michigan football-WMU Clockgate decision after MAC’s appeal declaration

As the Mid-American Conference (MAC) made the decision to appeal Michigan football’s 13-12 win over Western Michigan after the fiasco that ended the contest on Saturday night, the Big Ten conference has responded. While the MAC is appealing Michigan football’s “Clockgate” win, as many have used the phrase, the Big Ten is standing pat on the result of the game on Saturday.

It started on Tuesday when MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher sent a letter to NCAA football oversight, claiming that he ‘respectfully requests’ that the committee “recognize” that Western Michigan won the game over the Wolverines.

“Accordingly, I respectfully request that the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee recognize Western Michigan University as the actual winner of this contest, 12–7, and take such action as is within its authority to reflect that determination in NCAA records, rankings, postseason consideration, and any other appropriate NCAA purposes,” Steinbrecher wrote, via ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

The Big Ten on Tuesday also would release a statement, simply stating they ‘stand by’ the “determination made by the replay officials.”

“The Big Ten stands by the statement released following the conclusion of the Western Michigan at Michigan game and the determination made by the replay officials. We will have no further comment on the matter,” the Big Ten’s statement said, via Thamel.

The controversy surrounding Michigan football-Western Michigan

Looking at the controversy, it stems from the Saturday contest where Michigan was trailing 12-7 with nine seconds left in the game, as Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood attempted a Hail Mary pass, for it to be incomplete with zero seconds on the board. However, a review by the officiating crew ruled that the ball was touched by a defender beyond the end zone before time expired, putting one second on the board.

The second Hail Mary attempt would lead to JJ Buchanan making the miraculous catch from Underwood to win the game for Michigan against Western Michigan.

Michigan was awarded one second after review to run one final play, which resulted in the game-winning Hail Mary vs. Western Michigan

Should Michigan have been given one more second? pic.twitter.com/Xvns7NiQSo

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 6, 2026

There’s no denying that a massive amount of debate ensued and will continue to happen over the controversy.

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