NCAA establishes 'standard timing protocol' in wake of Michigan win - ESPN

The NCAA is issuing new guidance «to establish a standard timing protocol that ensures consistency in the administration of all college football games,» in the wake of Michigan's controversial 13-12 victory over Western Michigan on Saturday.

ESPN obtained a copy of a memo from NCAA national coordinator of officials Ron Snodgrass, which was approved by the NCAA's secretary rules editor, Matt Young.

«The official time for all college football games is the time displayed on the in-stadium game clock,» the memo said. «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."

Had that guidance been in place and followed Saturday, Michigan would not have been given an extra play and Western Michigan would have won the game 12-7, based on the clock shown on the NBC broadcast.

On what appeared to be the final play of the game, Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood sailed a Hail Mary pass beyond the end zone and into the arms of Western Michigan safety Micah Davis.

TV replays showed the clock hitting zero with the ball still in the air.

But Big Ten replay officials put a second back on the clock, giving the Wolverines another play, and JJ Buchanan hauled in the second Hail Mary try for a winning, 47-yard touchdown.

Two hours after the game, the Big Ten issued a statement: «It was determined [Davis] started his jump from an established out-of-bounds position [left