Western Michigan President Faults Big Ten 1-Second Replay Ruling After 13-12 Michigan Win
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Sep 7
Western Michigan President Faults Big Ten 1-Second Replay Ruling After 13-12 Michigan Win
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Sep 7
Summary
Russ Kavalhuna said the Big Ten replay process "isn't as good as it could be" because officials used a clock view that differed from the NBC broadcast during Michigan's 13-12 win.
TV replays showed the clock at zero while Bryce Underwood's first Hail Mary was still airborne, but replay officials restored 1 second and Michigan scored on the next play with a 47-yard touchdown to JJ Buchanan.
Kavalhuna said he asked commissioner Tony Petitti why the conference clock differed from the broadcast feed and argued viewers should be able to see the same synchronized evidence officials review.
The Big Ten stood by its ruling, saying a side-by-side review with a direct stadium clock shot showed Western Michigan's Micah Davis touched the ball with 1 second left; the MAC commissioner also said the process was properly followed.
Kavalhuna said there is no appeals mechanism and stressed he is not alleging bias, but wants clearer rules after the extra second denied Western Michigan its first win over Michigan and left the Broncos 0-9 in the series.