ESPN commentators challenge Big Ten explanation for Michigan win over Western Michigan

Michigan defeated Western Michigan 13-12 on Saturday, Sept. 5, following a final-play touchdown pass from Bryce Underwood to JJ Buchanan. Controversy surrounding the game’s conclusion stems from an officiating decision to grant Michigan one final play after the clock appeared to expire. The Big Ten released a statement early Sunday morning asserting the official clock showed one second remaining when the ball touched a Western Michigan player out of bounds. Despite the league’s explanation, ESPN analysts Dan Orlovsky and Stephen A. Smith publicly questioned the validity of the ruling during broadcasts on Monday. While Western Michigan head coach Lance Taylor and university president Russ Kavalhuna have formally accepted the official review outcome, critics continue to dispute the discrepancy between the game broadcast clock and the official timekeeper.

• 11:13 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN pundits aren't buying Big Ten's reason for clock fiasco: 'Nonsense'