The Michigan Wolverines officially get credit for a win over Western Michigan in Week 1, but most of the sports world now believes they were rescued by an improper ruling from referees who put time back on the clock and allowed for a last-second Hail Mary touchdown.
The NCAA reportedly will not entertain an appeal by the Mid-Atlantic Conference, meaning there is no chance of overturning the game’s result.
The MAC’s appeal was centered on the school’s candidacy for the College Football Playoff and bowl games. If the appeal fails, Western Michigan will have to rely on voters giving them credit for a win they don’t have on their record.
In an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show on Wednesday, ESPN college football analyst Booger McFarland pledged to give them that credit if they prove to be a factor in the MAC and vie for a CFP bid as the Group of Five representative. Most expect that slot to go to Boise State, who were similarly competitive against a Big Ten foe in a Week 1 loss to Oregon.
MacFarland, however, stopped short of pledging to dock a win off Michigan’s resume in similar discussions.
“With Michigan, are you going to take a win off of Michigan?” Patrick asked. “If they end up 10-2, are they gonna be 9-3 in your eyes?”
“They will be behind some 10-2 teams, put it that way,” McFarland responded.
McFarland is an analyst on the College Football Playoff rankings show that airs weekly on ESPN, starting midseason.
Ultimately, McFarland argued the result won’t impact much for Michigan. The longtime ESPN commentator believes Michigan is a flawed team, particularly at quarterback, that will top out at 8-4.
Patrick’s question deserves to be asked, however. If the college football ecosystem agrees to move past the win Michigan was gifted, it can’t forget the glitch when weighing their resume in a sport where voters determine the playoffs and narratives rule the day.
McFarland can’t change the entire story of Michigan’s season, but people like him can—if the Wolverines get back on track—hold the NCAA and the Big Ten accountable for their mistake and keep voters honest.
About Brendon Kleen
Brendon is an Editorial Lead at Awful Announcing overseeing digital content and special projects. He lives in Phoenix and has covered sports media for Awful Announcing since 2023.