The NCAA is issuing new guidance to establish a standard timing protocol for college football games following Michigan's controversial 13-12 victory over Western Michigan on Saturday. ESPN obtained a memo from NCAA national coordinator of officials Ron Snodgrass, approved by secretary rules editor Matt Young, stating that the official game time is the time displayed on the in-stadium game clock. During replay reviews requiring time adjustment, the replay official will use the embedded game clock in the program feed, or the broadcast feed's game-clock graphic if unavailable.

The protocol must be followed consistently at all institutions and game sites. Had the guidance been in place Saturday, Michigan would not have received an extra play, and Western Michigan would have won 12-7 based on the NBC broadcast clock showing zero when Bryce Underwood's Hail Mary pass was in the air. Big Ten replay officials added a second to the clock, allowing JJ Buchanan to catch a 47-yard touchdown for the win.

Two hours after the game, the Big Ten affirmed the call, citing Micah Davis's jump from an out-of-bounds position with one second remaining. MAC commissioner Jon A. Steinbrecher requested the NCAA overturn the result and have the College Football Playoff selection committee recognize Western Michigan as the actual winner, but the NCAA stated its rules do not allow overturning game outcomes, as scores are final when the head referee declares the game ended per Article 3 of the rulebook.