Photo: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
The NCAA has established a new standard timing protocol for college football games following a controversial ending to the recent Michigan vs. Western Michigan game. The decision comes after Michigan secured a victory with a last-second Hail Mary pass, which was allowed due to a replay review that added an extra second to the clock. This decision has sparked debate and led to an appeal from the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
The new protocol mandates that the official time for all college football games will be the time displayed on the in-stadium clock. For replay challenges, the television broadcast's embedded clock will be used. Had this protocol been in place during the Michigan game, the Wolverines would not have had the opportunity for their game-winning play.
MAC Commissioner Jon A. Steinbrecher has appealed to the NCAA, arguing that the replay protocol was not properly followed. The appeal requests that the NCAA overturn the result and award the victory to Western Michigan, who were leading 12-7 before the controversial play. The appeal highlights the importance of adhering to established replay protocols to ensure fair outcomes in games.
The NCAA's new timing guidelines aim to prevent similar controversies in the future. The protocol specifies that when a replay review requires time adjustments, the replay official will rely on the embedded game clock within the program feed. If unavailable, the game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed will be used.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions. While some praise the NCAA for taking steps to standardize timing, others, including Michigan spokesperson David Ablauf, emphasize that replay reviews are handled by the Big Ten and not individual institutions. The MAC's appeal remains under consideration, with the NCAA's Football Oversight Committee and College Football Playoff executive director reviewing the case.