NCAA Reportedly Establishes New Standard Timing Protocol After Michigan's Controversial Win Over WMU

The NCAA reportedly did not wait long to establish a new timing protocol in the aftermath of Michigan's controversial 13-12 victory over Western Michigan on Saturday.

ESPN's Jake Trotter reported Tuesday the new guidance will "establish a standard timing protocol that ensures consistency in the administration of all college football games."

A memo from NCAA national coordinator of officials Ron Snodgrass stated, "The official time for all college football games is the time displayed on the in-stadium game clock. When a replay review requires time to be restored or otherwise adjusted, the replay official's decision will be based on the embedded game clock contained within the program feed. If the broadcaster is unable to provide an embedded game clock, the replay official will use the game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed.

"This timing protocol should be followed consistently at all institutions and game sites."

Notably, Western Michigan would have come away with a stunning 12-7 upset victory over Michigan on Saturday had this protocol been in place.

After all, there was 0:00 showing on the NBC broadcast clock when Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood's first Hail Mary pass fell incomplete. Western Michigan players started to celebrate, but the officials put an extra second on the clock.

The Wolverines capitalized on their second chance, as Underwood's final heave fell into the hands of JJ Buchanan for a victory that sent the fans storming the field after a win over a MAC team.

MICHIGAN HAIL MARY TO WIN GAME

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It was controversial to say the least, but the Big Ten released a statement with a video replay that said Western Michigan defensive back Micah Davis started his leap from out of bounds and touched the ball with a second remaining.

"As shown in the provided video of what was viewed during the replay process, a side-by-side view of the play and the game clock, using a direct shot of the game clock in the stadium, was used to determine the final ruling," the statement said.

The story was once again in the headlines Tuesday when MAC commissioner Jon A. Steinbrecher requested the NCAA and the College Football Playoff selection committee overturn the result and recognize the Broncos as the "actual winner" of the contest.

"I recognize that the Oversight Committee does not ordinarily alter results recorded on the field," Steinbrecher wrote in a letter to the NCAA. "Nevertheless, the circumstances of this game are extraordinary. The final outcome was directly affected by a replay officiating error resulting from the failure to follow an established and specific protocol governing precisely this type of end-of-half timing situation."

However, Trotter noted the NCAA and the FBS oversight committee said they could not overturn the result of a game.

While Michigan escaped with a narrow one-point victory in its opener, things will get much more difficult in its next contest against Oklahoma. It also plays Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State and Iowa later this season and will surely need to play much better than it did against Western Michigan to remain competitive.

The Wolverines dropped out of the Associated Press Top 25 on Tuesday.