Many fans called for the Western Michigan Broncos to lodge some sort of appeal over the controversial ending of Saturday’s game against the Michigan Wolverines. The school confirmed Sunday, however, that will not be happening.
Western Michigan president Russ Kavalhuna said at a press conference Sunday that the school had explored options to appeal over the controversial decision by officials to add one second to the clock, allowing Michigan to convert on a game-winning Hail Mary. However, there is no way for Kavalhuna and the school to make such an appeal.
Western Michigan president Russ Kavalhuna: "I did want to find a way to appeal that decision but there is none."
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoATH) September 6, 2026
Ultimately, the Broncos are just trying to move on from the controversy. Coach Lance Taylor added that he did not want to “make excuses” for the outcome of the game, and refused to blame the officiating for the loss.
WMU coach Lance Taylor: "The lesson here is not making excuses for the outcome of the game."
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoATH) September 6, 2026
"Ultimately, the refs did not cost this game."
Taylor said if they use that as an excuse it allows us to "get bitter instead of get better."
The game will ultimately go into the books as a Michigan win, though there was never much doubt about that. The Big Ten made it abundantly clear that by their clock, Michigan should have been granted another play. The conference did not, however, explain the discrepancy between the clock in the stadium and the clock that officials used to make their decision.
The Broncos have handled a difficult situation about as well as they possibly could. Sunday’s press conference will only reinforce that.
