MAC, Big Ten release statements on Western Michigan's controversial loss to Michigan

Western Michigan stormed into the Big House and pulled off a Week 1 stunner, upsetting No. 16 Michigan, 12-7. At least for a moment.

When Michigan's last-ditch Hail Mary attempted hit the ground, the score was briefly solidfied as 'final' in favor of a Bronco victory. But the officiating crew reviewed the play and determined one second remained on the game clock.

That one second changed the entire fortune of two programs.

Michigan trotted the offense onto the field, and quarterback Bryce Underwood flung a 47-yard completion to JJ Buchanan, who secured the Wolverines' second Hail Mary attempt at the front of the end zone. After a quick turn of events, the crowd of nearly 111,000 stormed the field to celebrate Michigan's unthinkable 13-12 victory.

The ending drew public speculation, as many viewers believe the clock expired during Michigan's first Hail Mary attempt.

"At the end of the day, you don't always control those situations. Is there a second left one the clock?" Western Michigan head coach Lance Taylor said in his postgame press conference. "We talk a lot about 'respond' regardless of whether the circumstances are. We can't control whether there's a second left on the clock or not. We went out the first time. We defended perfectly the Hail Mary situation. I thought our guys did an excellent job. I know when I looked up at the clock, it was past zeros before we touched it."

Taylor also mentioned in his press conference he would let the Mid-American Conference office handle the controversial matter.

"I have not seen the clip," Taylor said. "Several people mentioned to me that the game was over. Our commissioner has already reached out. He usually hands those situations and reviews. I thought the crew tonight did a really nice job handling multiple close-calls and review situations... I'll let our commissioner and those guys handle it."

Both the MAC and Big Ten released statements on the matter postgame:

MAC commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher issued the following statement:

"Upon the conclusion of the Western Michigan–Michigan football game, the Mid-American Conference and Western Michigan contacted the Big Ten office to seek clarification regarding the replay review and the placement of time back on the game clock.

The Big Ten explained that the ball touched a player who was out of bounds before the clock reached 00:00, resulting in one additional play being awarded. The Big Ten subsequently provided video and audio of the replay, which confirmed the explanation provided to us.

I commend Western Michigan for an outstanding effort and a well-played game, and I offer my congratulations to Michigan.

I also appreciate the collaborative efforts of the Big Ten office and its prompt response in reviewing the play and providing the requested clarification." 

The Big Ten issued the following statement and attached a supporting video review:

The Big Ten's official conclusion was Western Michigan free safety Micah Davis (#18) stepped out of bounds and made contact with the ball while one second remained on the game clock. MAC commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher took no exception to this ruling in his official statement.

However, the Big Ten's side-by-side still leaves questions, as it does not show the clock winding down from the initial snap.

NBC rules analyst and former NFL referee Terry McAulay vehemently disagreed with the result of the review, believing Michigan should have never been awarded an extra second.

Michigan escaped with a 13-12 victory in a moment that will be preserved for posterity in Ann Abor, but live forever in infamy 100 miles down the road in Kalamazoo.