Star quarterback Bryce Underwood and the Michigan Wolverines defeated the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday night in one of the most controversial finishes in recent memory. Michigan seemed to lose 12-7 at the end of regulation after Michigan quarterback Underwood’s Hail Mary attempt landed out of bounds as the clock hit zero.
Shockingly, game officials paused the Broncos’ ensuing celebration for video review and ruled that one second remained on the clock when the ball was touched out of bounds, giving Underwood a second Hail Mary attempt.
Underwood delivered in his second try, connecting with wide receiver JJ Buchanan for a touchdown, sealing a 13-12 victory for Michigan. The ending prompted widespread outrage, leading to the Big Ten releasing a statement, including the official video review; NBC to pin responsibility for keeping the game clock on the Big Ten; and even Western Michigan head coach Lance Taylor and president Russ Kavalhuna to address things on CNN, where Kavalhuna confirmed that the Big Ten showed him the video it used in the ruling that showed “a second left on the clock.”
However, the MAC, Western Michigan’s conference, has officially appealed the result.
“The MAC has issued a statement saying ‘it is now evident that replay protocol was not properly followed’ during the Michigan game,” ESPN’s Heather Dinich reported on Tuesday. “The league has submitted formal appeals to the NCAA FBS oversight committee and the CFP, asking they recognize Western Michigan as the actual winner.”
It appeared as if there was some legitimate momentum to get the result overturned after Jeff Sagarin, an official NCAA-recognized National Championship selector, recognized a 12-7 win for Western Michigan.
Unfortunately for the MAC and the Broncos, the NCAA has confirmed that nothing can be done.
“The NCAA announced its rules do not have a protocol for overturning the outcome of a game,” On3 reported.
NEW: The NCAA announced its rules do not have a protocol for overturning the outcome of a game.
The FBS Oversight Committee also does not have the authority to overturn the outcome of a game.
(h/t @PeteNakos)https://t.co/QYzKXPw0aH https://t.co/k7LrwoaDeF pic.twitter.com/19xOuoVMNV
— On3 (@On3) September 8, 2026
“The FBS Oversight Committee also does not have the authority to overturn the outcome of a game.”
If it’s any consolation to Western Michigan, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has them as his rightful winners.
“There’s no question this outcome should have been 12-7,” Smith said on First Take. “It shouldn’t have happened. It’s definitely an egregious mistake on the part of the officials or whoever is responsible for it. I’m not buying it one bit. I know what the hell I saw. Michigan lost this da*n game. It’s a shame that the outcome was the outcome.”
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.