The NCAA is releasing new guidelines “to establish a standard timing protocol that ensures consistency in the administration of all college football games,” following Michigan’s contentious 13-12 victory over Western Michigan on Saturday.
Ron Snodgrass, the NCAA‘s national coordinator of officials, provided ESPN with a copy of a message that was authorized by Matt Young, the NCAA’s secretary rules editor.
The memo 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.”
Based on the time displayed on the NBC broadcast, Western Michigan would have won the game 12-7 if that advice had been followed on Saturday. Michigan would not have had an extra play.
Western Michigan cornerback Micah Davis caught a Hail Mary throw from Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood that went beyond the end zone on what seemed to be the game’s last play.
TV replays showed the ball still in the air when the clock struck zero.
