Western Michigan president Russ Kavalhuna criticized the Big Ten's replay process after Michigan's dramatic 13-12 victory over the Broncos. On the final play, TV replays showed the clock hitting zero with the ball still in the air, but Big Ten replay officials added a second back on the clock. This gave Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood another opportunity, leading to a game-winning touchdown pass to JJ Buchanan.

Kavalhuna argued that what TV viewers saw differed from what the review process showed, questioning why the clocks couldn't be synchronized. He stated that if an appeals process existed, he would ask for a review to determine if the Big Ten's clock was more accurate than the broadcast clock. The Big Ten defended its ruling, citing that Western Michigan safety Micah Davis started his jump from an established out-of-bounds position and made contact with the ball with one second remaining, stopping the clock.

Mid-American Conference commissioner Jon Steinbrecher supported the process integrity, stating it was ultimately correct despite the outcome. Western Michigan, the defending Mid-American Conference champion, saw the extra second prevent what would have been a victory.