NCAA clarifies protocol amid fallout from Michigan’s win over Western Michigan

Michigan’s victory over Western Michigan, 13-12, at Michigan Stadium on Saturday will remain in the record books despite the controversy surrounding the dramatic ending.

The Wolverines won via the Hail Mary pass from Bryce Underwood to JJ Buchanan for the walk-off touchdown. Michigan benefited from the decision of the game officials to put one second on the game clock after reviewing the replay of Underwood’s initial pass that sailed to the back of the end zone as time expired, as shown on the stadium clock and the broadcast clock.

The MAC appealed the result, saying the Broncos should be declared the winner. The NCAA, however, affirmed Michigan’s victory, explaining that it does not have a mechanism to overturn the outcome of a game.

In a memorandum shared by The Athletic’s Ralph Russo, the NCAA instituted a protocol for when a “replay review requires time to be restored or otherwise adjusted.”

“The replay official’s decision will be based on the embedded game clock contained within the program feed. If the broadcaster is unable to provide an embedded game clock, the replay official will use the game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed,” said the memorandum.

“Moving forward, this timing protocol should be followed consistently at all institutions and game sites.”

A memo, obtained by The Athletic, from the NCAA's secretary-rules editor and expected to go out to conferences and officials, clarifies the protocol to be used "When a replay review requires time to be restored …" in a game. pic.twitter.com/gb3V9QwZnA

— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoATH) September 8, 2026

The NCAA acknowledged the need for a protocol since “replay technology and available broadcast resources may vary among institutions, conferences, and game sites.”

Despite the win, Michigan dropped out of the AP Top 25. It was initially ranked at No. 16. According to CBS Sports, the Wolverines became the highest-ranked team to drop out of the poll after a victory since it expanded to 25 squads in 1989.

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson, meanwhile, took a jab at Michigan over its narrow escape against Western Michigan.

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