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Michigan football faces MAC appeal and QB scrutiny

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2026-09-10 21:45 UTC → 2026-09-12 15:29 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The controversy surrounding Michigan’s 13-12 victory over Western Michigan has escalated, with the Mid-American Conference (MAC) filing a formal appeal with the NCAA and College Football Playoff administrators. The MAC is seeking to overturn the game result, arguing that replay protocols were mishandled during the final moments. The appeal centers on the decision to add one second to the clock after a Hail Mary pass. While the Big Ten defended the ruling by stating a defender made contact with the ball from an out-of-bounds position, the MAC contends that the replay crew used an internal clock feed rather than the official program-feed clock. MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher stated that the official feed would have indicated the game had ended, which would have resulted in a 12-7 victory for Western Michigan. The ~~MAC is requesting that Western Michigan be recognized as the official winner for rankings and postseason selection purposes. The~~ NCAA has denied the appeal, stating it lacks the authority to overturn a game result once a referee has declared a game ended. ~~According to the NCAA rulebook, the score is final once the period has ended and no rule decision may be changed after the ball is next legally snapped.~~ Parallel to the officiating dispute, Michigan’s No. 16 ranking was removed from the AP Top 25. ~~Additionally, head~~ Head coach Kyle Whittingham continues to voice concerns regarding quarterback Bryce Underwood. Despite the game-winning 47-yard touchdown pass to JJ Buchanan, Underwood’s struggles with footwork and decision-making remain a focal point. Underwood completed 54.5% of his passes for 170 yards and one touchdown, alongside one interception. Whittingham reiterated that Underwood’s status as the starter is ‘not something that’s infinite’ and emphasized that while Underwood is the starter ‘right now,’ Underwood, noting his position is ‘not absolutely set in concrete.’ Analysts have joined these concerns; former coach Urban Meyer noted issues with Underwood’s spatial awareness and ability to execute progressions, while analyst Joel Klatt suggested the quarterback has regressed since his freshman year. In response, the coaching staff has restructured to include more dedicated quarterback development roles. Michigan now prepares to host No. 11 Oklahoma at Michigan Stadium. The Sooners enter the matchup following a 51-0 win over UTEP, and are currently favored by 5.5 points.

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