CFP issues statement on WMU-Michigan clock protocol incident

The College Football Playoff (CFP) has issued a statement on the Western Michigan (WMU)–Michigan clock protocol incident. It said it has reviewed the letter from the MAC and “does not have the authority” to change the game’s outcome.

“The CFP has reviewed the letter from the Mid-American Conference (MAC). While we appreciate the concerns that were raised, the CFP does not have the authority to change or otherwise alter the outcome of games played during the regular season,” the CFP said, per ESPN’s Heather Dinich.

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“The CFP Selection Committee evaluates all teams on a comprehensive body of work over a full season, driven by how teams perform in each game. The Committee’s evaluation is informed by a broad range of inputs, not just wins and losses.

“These measures and data points include Opponent Team Strength, Schedule Strength, and Record Strength, with rankings determined by comparing the full profile rather than any single metric. The performance of both teams in this contest will be evaluated by the individuals on the Selection Committee as played, alongside every other game on both teams’ schedules.”

CFP on the same page with FBS Oversight Committee on WMU-Michigan incident

In Week 1 of the college football season, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood missed a Hail Mary pass, and it looked like WMU earned an upset win. However, officials put one second back on the clock, and Underwood threw another Hail Mary. JJ Buchanan caught the pass to give the Wolverines a 13-12 victory.

The controversial ending led to the MAC submitting a formal appeal to the FBS Oversight Committee to recognize the Broncos as the winner. On Wednesday, the committee said protocols were not followed at the end of the game, but the outcome can’t be overruled.

“The committee consulted with national officiating leadership regarding the instant replay protocols. Based on that information, the committee agreed that the instant replay protocols were not followed in the contest’s second-to-last play,” the FBS Oversight Committee said. “Had the protocols been followed, the outcome of the game would have been different.”