Monmouth vs Western Michigan matchup
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Western Michigan hosts Monmouth on Saturday night after a controversial 13-12 loss to Michigan.
The disputed finish still lingers as Monmouth calls it its best opportunity.
Background
Western Michigan opened its season with a 13-12 loss to Michigan that ended in controversy: up 12-7, the Broncos swatted away an out-of-bounds Hail Mary as time expired, but after the Big Ten crew reviewed the final play, one second was added and a second heave was caught for a 47-yard touchdown. The MAC initially accepted the result, then reversed course and appealed to the NCAA FBS oversight committee, which declined to act, citing its rule that when the referee declares the game ended, the score is final. Monmouth, coming off a 2024 win over FIU and a narrow 42-35 loss to Charlotte last year, now travels to Kalamazoo for Western Michigan's CommUniverCity Night.
How it unfolded
- Sep 5, 2026Monmouth opens its season against Sacred Heart in West Long Branch.
- Sep 6, 2026Michigan beats Western Michigan 13-12 after a controversial finish; a reviewed final play adds one second and a 47-yard Hail Mary touchdown.
- Sep 8, 2026The NCAA declines to act on the MAC appeal, saying when the referee declares the game ended, the score is final.
- Sep 10, 2026Monmouth and Western Michigan athletics publish game previews for their Saturday night matchup in Kalamazoo.
- Sep 12, 2026Western Michigan's game notes say 'Moving on...' ahead of the Monmouth matchup; predictions and odds for the Sept. 12 game are published.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The NCAA said it wouldn't act on the MAC appeal, citing its rules and stating that when the referee declares the game ended, the score is final.
- Party
- MAC commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher said the Big Ten replay crew relied on the wrong clock feed, that had protocol been followed no additional play would have been awarded, and that Western Michigan would have won 12-7.
- Support
- Monmouth head coach Jeff Gallo called it a great opportunity and said he thinks his team has the best opportunity in college football this weekend.
- Caution
- Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham said he was unaware of the Hawkeye system, saw the clock ticking to zero, and assumed the replay crew got it right with their advanced technology.
Still unverified
The MAC submitted a formal appeal to recognize Western Michigan as the winner over Michigan, claiming protocol was not properly followed; the MAC also reversed course on its initial statement accepting the result and sought an appeal to the NCAA FBS oversight committee.