The NCAA says it cannot overturn Michigan's dramatic last-second win over Western Michigan, rejecting the Mid-American Conference's appeal that the final play should never have counted.
The decision, announced Tuesday, keeps Michigan's 31-30 victory in place despite the MAC's argument that replay officials in the Big Ten erred by adding one second back to the clock before the game-ending Hail Mary.
That extra second allowed Michigan to run one final play from the 35-yard line, where quarterback Alex Orji connected with a receiver in the end zone as time expired. Western Michigan had led for most of the fourth quarter and appeared to have secured the upset before the final snap.
The MAC filed an appeal asking the NCAA to recognize Western Michigan as the winner, citing what it called clear video evidence that the clock should have hit zero before Michigan snapped the ball. The conference also pointed to miscommunication among officials during the stoppage that preceded the final play.
In its ruling, the NCAA acknowledged the controversy but said it lacks the authority to overturn game results based on officials' judgment calls.
The MAC released a statement expressing disappointment, while Michigan athletic officials said they were confident the outcome would stand.
The dispute has also drawn attention to the Big Ten's suspension of the replay crew involved, and the league has since announced a standard timing protocol for future games.
Urban Meyer, the former Ohio State coach now with FOX Sports, also weighed in, saying Michigan has deeper issues to address beyond the finish itself.
The NCAA's decision is final for now, but the conversation around it is far from over. The Big Ten's new protocol will take effect immediately, and Michigan moves forward with a 3-0 record — though the argument over that one second is likely to linger all season.