INDIANAPOLIS, IN (WTVB) – The NCAA has established a new standard timing protocol to ensure absolute consistency in how game clocks are managed across all college football.
The decision, revealed in a memo from national coordinator of officials Ron Snodgrass on Wednesday, mandates that the in-stadium clock serves as the official time.
However, when video replay requires a timing adjustment, replay officials must now exclusively use the game clock embedded within the broadcast feed.
If an embedded feed is unavailable, officials are directed to rely on the broadcast’s on-screen graphic.
The abrupt policy rollout follows a massive Week 1 clock controversy during Michigan’s narrow 13-12 victory over Western Michigan.
In that game, a replay review awarded the Wolverines an extra second after the television broadcast clock had clearly expired, allowing them to complete a game-winning Hail Mary pass.
“Had that guidance been in place and followed Saturday, Michigan would not have been given an extra play and Western Michigan would have won the game 12-7,” according to ESPN.
While Mid-American Conference (MAC) Commissioner Jon A. Steinbrecher has launched an appeal to overturn the game’s final result, the new standardized protocol will permanently govern all institutions moving forward to prevent future discrepancies between stadium operators and broadcast networks.
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