Big Ten releases statement and the actual video review of Michigan-Western ending
The Big Ten has released its explanation — along with video and audio from the replay review — for the controversial decision to put one second back on the clock at the end of Michigan’s 13-12 win over Western Michigan.
Michigan’s first Hail Mary attempt appeared to end the game with Western Michigan leading 12-7. After review, officials restored one second, giving Bryce Underwood another chance. Underwood then connected with JJ Buchanan for a 47-yard game-winning touchdown.
According to the Big Ten, Western Michigan defensive back No. 18 began his jump with his left foot already established out of bounds and touched the football with one second remaining. Under NCAA rules, the ball became dead as soon as it touched the out-of-bounds player.
The conference also released the replay-room footage and audio behind the ruling. The review used a side-by-side view of the play and a direct shot of the Michigan Stadium game clock. The Big Ten said all cameras used by the replay system are synchronized 85 minutes before kickoff with a strobe system.
The Mid-American Conference and Western Michigan then contacted the Big Ten seeking clarification.
MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said the Big Ten provided the conference with the video and audio from the replay and that the material “confirmed the explanation provided to us.”
The MAC therefore did not dispute the ruling, with Steinbrecher thanking the Big Ten for its response while also commending Western Michigan for its performance.
What initially appeared to be a controversial decision Saturday night now has both conferences on record agreeing that replay showed the ball touched an out-of-bounds defender before time expired.
