KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO) - The following is a statement, mutually drafted by the Western Michigan and University of Michigan athletic relations departments and supported by both the Big Ten and the Mid-American Conference, in response to the NCAA striking the statistics from the 2011 weather shortened opening game.

“The NCAA informed both Western Michigan and Michigan earlier this week that based on the NCAA Football Rules Book, it will keep the records of both teams, score of the game and attendance, but will not recognize the statistics from last Saturday’s opening game due to the game not completing the third quarter.  Both programs were informed they and their respective conferences have the right to keep the game’s statistics as a part of their respective records.  After discussion, WMU, Michigan, the Big Ten and the Mid-American Conference have mutually agreed to keep the statistics as a part of their records for the 2011 season and beyond.  Therefore, there will be a one-game discrepancy in statistical information between the NCAA and both schools/conferences moving forward.”