Big Ten issues statement explaining why Michigan was given one more chance at Hail Mary
· Yahoo Sports
The phrase “snatched victory from the jaws of defeat” gets thrown around a lot. Late on Saturday night in Ann Arbor, the Michigan Wolverines truly did that to capture a 13-12 win over Western Michigan seconds after it appeared the Big House had just witnessed Kyle Whittingham get upset in his debut.
Controversy reigned in the aftermath of Bryce Underwood lofting a Hail Mary attempt to the end zone and JJ Buchanan skying over everyone to corral it and prevent Michigan from one of its worst losses in program history. Underwood only had the opportunity because a replay review had put one second back on the clock after everyone watching on television had seen it clearly expire on the previous play.
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MORE: On-air rules analyst had no explanation for controversial call that allowed Michigan Hail Mary
About 90 minutes after the Michigan miracle, the Big Ten offered up some further information about what led to that second being added.
“Following video review, it was determined Western Michigan’s #18 started his jump from an established out-of-bounds position (left foot) and made contact with the ball with one second remaining on the clock,” the Big Ten wrote.
“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.
“Eighty-five minutes prior to the game, all broadcast cameras used for the replay system, including the camera on the game clock, are synced using a strobe system to ensure all cameras are aligned.
“Per NCAA Football rule 4-2-3-a, A ball not in player control, other than a kick that scores a field goal, is out of bounds when it touches the ground, a player, a game official or anything else that is out-of-bound, or that is on or outside a boundary line.” and thus the clock is stopped.”
Again, this is what the play in question looked like to everyone not charged with making the call. One can understand why there is still a bit of confusion this morning about what went down.
Thankfully, there will be forever to debate the merits of the decision, which could prove to significantly shape the college football landscape this year should Michigan improve and contend for a playoff spot.
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