OutKick Sports Clock controversy: NCAA says officials botched replay protocol in Michigan's win over Western Michigan

Fox News ^ | September 16, 2026 | Trey Wallace

[WhiteHatBobby0701]

Turns out, had the officials followed the correct protocol during the highly-controversial finish to the Western Michigan versus Michigan game earlier this month, the Wolverines would currently have a loss on their record.

The ending of what was one of the wildest games of the season remains a major talking point nearly three weeks after Michigan won on a second Hail Mary attempt in the final seconds of its season opener.

Should the Wolverines have been awarded an additional second on the clock? The NCAA's FBS oversight committee doesn’t think so.

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TOPICS: Computers/Internet; Sports
KEYWORDS: michigan; ncaa; timing

[WhiteHatBobby0701]

The easiest way to solve the problem is Daktronics provide a unit that will help solve the issue. Have it where it can be seen.

A basketball shot clock style scoring unit would fix the issue.

[desertsolitaire]

I wonder under what specific curcumstances a referee may order time be added back on a game clock? Do they have to follow a transparent procedure that others can see happening in the moment and object if it looks wrong?
Or is it an honor system where the referee(s) are assumed to always be correct and any complaining has to come later and in no way changes the result called?
What did replay show? was there replay available and did they view it, including fans viewing on screens?
Or did the refs make their call, then hurry play along so it didn’t matter later?

[Libloather]

So Western Michigan won the game. Reflect that in the team’s record.

[V_TWIN]

In hockey there’s an audible horn that blows at zero.

[jimfr]

“one of the wildest games of the season remains a major talking point nearly three weeks after Michigan won on a second Hail Mary attempt in the final seconds of its season opener. “
if it was the opening games it does not say much saying “wildest games of the season”

[V_TWIN]

That ship has sailed my friend.

[Dr. Sivana]

In hockey there’s an audible horn that blows at zero.
Hockey is also different because if a shot is made before the clock runs out but goes in the net AFTER, the score does not count. Basketball shots made before but going in the hoop after, count, and football plays continue until the play is complete.

[z3n]

So Western Michigan won the game. Reflect that in the team’s record.

~~~

Exactly.

Tired of always big talk and no actual action.

Don’t just admit a mistake to so that you can brush it off. Correct the record where it counts

[allendale]

Gee. No doubt the NCAA, an organization dedicated to the ideals of amateur, student sports and good sportsmenship, will award the win to Western Michigan and despite the potentially huge financial implications to Michigan and the Big Ten conglomerate assign a loss to the Michigan record.

[WhiteHatBobby0701]

In replay, a green light appears for hockey.

[glennaro]

Not to worry. The NFL’s new Sports Ethics Commissioner (i.e., DraftKings) will hold them accountable.

[WhoisAlanGreenspan?]

Similar to the asterisk 2023 Big Ten and National championship illegal sign-stealing operation blamed on fall-guy Connor Stalions, University of Michigan once again proves rules apply to almost everyone, except them.

[Racketeer]

If not, can a fan sue the NCAA for PTSD?

[nuconvert]

Why not just call the game a draw?

[oil_dude]

DON’T tell me they “didn’t follow protocol” just take away the effing win from Michigan!!!!! Just do the right thing!!

[tnlibertarian]

Michigan: first team in NCAA history to start the season 2-0 after losing their opener.

[discostu]

We don’t change results. Because that’s giant can of worms that needs to remain closed. We know officiating mistakes happen in every game, once we start saying “well this mistake was big enough we should reverse the results” then where does it stop? Does that only apply to end of the game mistakes? Final 2 minutes mistakes? 4th quarter mistakes? What about the incorrectly touchdown in the 1st quarter, that changed the game too?

Mistakes happen, everybody knows it, just gotta deal with it. Once the Pittsburgh Steelers got apologies from the league for blown calls late in the game 3 games IN A ROW. When the press asked Bill Cowher about it he said he should have the team in a better position so those calls weren’t game changers. Nobody ever worries about the bad calls in a blow out, even though we know they happen.

[Merrick]

Well, stuff happens. I think it’s completely unfair what happened to Western Michigan. But I also think it was a mistake. On the other hand, when this happened I remember lots around here saying if Michigan can barely match Western Michigan they’re going to lose just about every game this year. And I tried to explain that with a lot of new players and new coaching staff in an almost exhibition game at the beginning of the year the coaches would be trying lots of different teams and lots of players who *won’t* be seeing a lot of playing time season were getting time in the WMU game and lots of players who will be first and second teams were seeing a lot of bench time in the first game - and that’s why you saw what you saw. And lots of people told me I didn’t know what I was talking about. Then Michigan convincingly beat #11 Oklahoma State. So, what, is OU overrated and are they going to lose the rest of their games this season now? I mean, that’s the only explanation based on a lot of what I’ve heard around here.

[Hatteras]

"Why not just call the game a draw?"

Because Draft Kings, Fan Duel, Kalshi... ($)

[WhiteHatBobby0701]

Good one. I get fed up with people who put on ESPN/DraftKings on the gym televisions so I put Fox News and Business on to send them a message gambling is not acceptable and these racist activists need to learn we’re not buying your woke activism.

These DFS and sports wagering sites have taken over.