Big Ten expands replay transparency after Michigan-Western Michigan clock dispute

A clock error in the recent Michigan versus Western Michigan game, where an added second enabled a 47-yard Hail Mary for a 13-12 win, prompted the Big Ten to modify its replay broadcast policy. Beginning Saturday, all televised conference games will feature live audio between the on-field referee and the replay official, along with video of the footage being examined and a view inside the league's Replay Center. Seven Big Ten matchups, such as No. 5 Indiana hosting Howard, are included, as are over 20 non-conference games.

The league released a video explaining the officials' decision, despite the earlier lack of live replay access for one outlet viewers. The NCAA also issued a memo clarifying that replay officials must rely on the embedded game clock from the broadcast feed, or the on-screen clock if no embedded feed exists. Mid-American Conference commissioner Jon Steinbrecher had earlier appealed to the NCAA and the College Football Playoff to overturn the result, but officials noted there is no mechanism to change a declared outcome.