NCAA Says Western Michigan Should Have Won Controversial Michigan Game, But Result Stands

The NCAA’s FBS Oversight Committee has acknowledged that replay procedures were not properly followed during the controversial ending of Michigan’s 13-12 victory over Western Michigan, but the Wolverines will keep the win. The controversy stems from the Sept. 5 game at Michigan Stadium. Western Michigan appeared to secure a 12-7 upset after Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood’s Hail Mary attempt fell incomplete as time expired. Replay officials, however, restored one second to the clock, giving Michigan another play. Underwood then connected with Andrew Marsh for the game-winning touchdown.

Controversial Replay Gave Michigan Another Chance

After reviewing the situation, the FBS Oversight Committee said Wednesday that established instant replay protocols were not followed and that, had they been followed correctly, the outcome of the game would have been different. However, the committee said it does not have authority to reverse a game’s result after it becomes final. The controversy has already prompted change. The NCAA established a standardized timing protocol following the game to provide clearer procedures for replay officials dealing with clock issues.

How the Controversy Affected Betting

The extra second had a significant impact on sportsbooks even though it did not change the point-spread result. Michigan closed around a 27.5-point favorite, with Western Michigan available at roughly +2200 on the moneyline at some books. The Broncos easily covered the spread regardless of whether the final score was 12-7 or 13-12, and the game stayed well below a total around 49.5.

Moneyline Bettors Saw the Biggest Impact

The moneyline was a different matter. A Western Michigan victory would have produced a massive payout for bettors backing the underdog and knocked Michigan out of moneyline parlays. Instead, Michigan’s touchdown preserved those Wolverines bets. BetMGM trading manager Adair Horne told FOX Sports that the final play turned the game from a substantial win for the sportsbook into a loss because of moneyline parlays involving Michigan. Because the official result remains Michigan 13-12, sportsbook settlements based on that final result are unaffected by the committee’s subsequent finding.

Michigan and Western Michigan Since the Controversial Finish

Both Teams Respond With Victories

Michigan followed the narrow escape with a much stronger result, defeating then-No. 10 Oklahoma 17-10. The Wolverines are now 2-0 and ranked No. 19. Underwood threw for 111 yards against Oklahoma but also contributed 87 rushing yards and a touchdown. Western Michigan responded emphatically as well. The Broncos defeated Monmouth 49-14 to improve to 1-1. Quarterback Broc Lowry completed 14 of 20 passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns, while Aveion Chenault produced 101 receiving yards.

This Week’s Matchups

Michigan and Western Michigan Return to Action

• UTEP at No. 19 Michigan: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET on BTN. FanDuel lists Michigan as a 34.5-point favorite, with the total at 49.5. The biggest question is whether Michigan’s offense can finally break out after scoring only 30 points across its first two games. Underwood’s continued development as a passer will be worth watching against an overmatched UTEP defense.
• Western Michigan at Rice: Saturday, 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Western Michigan is approximately a 9.5-point road favorite, with the total at 43.5. The Broncos have covered the spread in both games and now get a chance to prove that their near-upset at Michigan was more than a one-week performance. Rice enters at 1-1.

NCAA Ruling Leaves an Unusual Footnote

For Western Michigan, the official record will continue to show a loss in Ann Arbor. The FBS Oversight Committee’s finding, however, adds an unusual footnote: the governing body responsible for FBS oversight has now acknowledged that proper replay procedures would have produced a different outcome.