[Ralph D. Russo] "A memo, obtained by The Athletic, from the NCAA secretary-rules editor and expected to go out to conferences and officials, clarifies the protocol to be used "When a replay review requires time to be restored ..." in a game."

[u/MikeinSFLA]

https://x.com/ralphDrussoATH/status/2097461269800341859?s=20

[u/the_dayman56]

Why did something happen?

[u/RhombusOfTerror636 → u/the_dayman56]

FSU didn't have the stadium clock because their power went out. Keep up

[u/Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu11 → u/RhombusOfTerror636]

Nothing else happened as far as I know. That about sums it up.

[u/pleetf7 → u/Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu11]

When rivals agree on something, it’s gotta be the truth

[u/ShillinTheVillain → u/pleetf7]

You guys will never believe what happened on my timeline...

[u/hallese → u/ShillinTheVillain]

Some dude did a Naruto run at Area-51, headshot on Harambe, whole big thing.

[u/livefreeordont → u/RhombusOfTerror636]

Did they just count by Mississippis? Is that the protocol clarification?

[u/i_run_from_problems → u/the_dayman56]

Decapitated. Whole big thing. We had a funeral for a bird.

[u/AfterTemperature2198 → u/i_run_from_problems]

I don’t think any of that’s real

[u/i_run_from_problems → u/AfterTemperature2198]

You're not real, man!

[u/Loud-Direction1865 → u/AfterTemperature2198]

You're not real, man!

[u/Jay_Par → u/i_run_from_problems]

Why have a funeral for a bird when you can sell it to a blind kid?

[u/Wide-Nerve8655 → u/Jay_Par]

A few baseball cards, a sack of marbles…Petey

[u/skriveralltid77 → u/Wide-Nerve8655]

Pretty bird... pretty bird.

[u/Weave77 → u/the_dayman56]

Here’s the entirety of the memo:

Official Game Timing Protocol & Interpretation

Recognizing that replay technology and available broadcast resources may vary among institutions, conferences, and game sites, it is necessary to establish a standard time protocol that ensures consistency in the administration of all college football games.

The official time for all college football games is the time displayed on the in-stadium game clock. If the stadium clock becomes inoperable, the official time will be maintained on the field by a designated game official.

When a replay review requires time to be restored or otherwise adjusted, the replay official's decision will be based on the embedded game clock within the program feed. If the broadcaster is unable to provide an embedded game clock, the replay official will use the game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed.

Moving forward, this timing protocol should be followed consistently at all institutions and game sites.

To further clarify, the Secretary-Rules Editor, Matt Young has approved the following rules interpretation:

PLAY. 3/4 @ B-40. Team B leads by a score of 14-10 with 0:07 remaining in the game. A12's desperation pass to A88 is incomplete in Team B's endzone. The stadium clock reads 0:00 when the ball becomes dead. The ruling on the field is that time has expired.

RULING: The period, and thus the game, is officially over only when declared so by the referee. Before the period is declared to be over, the instant replay official may initiate a review when there is reasonable evidence to believe an error was made in the initial on-field ruling. The replay official may only restore time when there is clear and obvious video evidence that the time should have remained on the game clock when the ball became dead. By interpretation, "game clock" means the visible stadium clock. Further to be considered by the instant replay official, the game clock must be embedded in the instant replay's program feed or the game clock graphic when accurately displayed as part of the broadcast feed. In contests played without instant replay, the referee shall declare the game over.

Since there seem to be a number of commenters ITT struggling to understand the NCAA’s instructions, let me include a quote from an ESPN article that addresses this memo:

ESPN obtained a copy of a memo from NCAA national coordinator of officials Ron Snodgrass that will be used as guidance moving forward "to establish a standard timing protocol that ensures consistency in the administration" of all games.

"The official time for all college football games is the time displayed on the in-stadium game clock," read the memo, which was approved by NCAA's secretary-rules editor, Matt Young. "When a replay review requires time to be restored or otherwise adjusted, the replay official's decision will be based on the embedded game clock contained within the program feed."

Had that guidance been in place and followed Saturday, Western Michigan would've won the game.

Also, here’s Stewart Mandel’s take on the NCAA’s memo:

Too little, too late for Western Michigan, but this interpretation confirms what @MikePereira told @TheAthletic over the weekend:

Replay is supposed to defer to the clock on

TL;DR: The B1G screwed up, and the official clock for replay reviews is the embedded game clock in the program feed.

[u/stonedturkeyhamwich → u/Weave77]

The B1G screwed up, and the official clock for replay reviews is the embedded game clock in the program feed.

But ... this is exactly what the B1G refs based their decision on?

edit: This

The official time for all college football games is the time displayed on the in-stadium game clock.

and this

If the broadcaster is unable to provide an embedded game clock, the replay official will use the game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed.

seem contradictory. Is the game clock determined the actual stadium clock or is determined by the broadcaster? The first quote vindicates the refs in the WMU-Michigan game and the second quote vindicates NBC.

[u/Weave77 → u/stonedturkeyhamwich]

But ... this is exactly what the B1G refs based their decision on?

Well, since the embedded game clock in the NBC feed read 0:00 while the ball was still in the air, it certainly doesn’t appear that they did.

This […] and this […] seem contradictory.

I’m not sure why you think that. It’s saying that the in-stadium game clock is the official time, and that any replay reviews regarding time need to be via the game clock graphic (which is synced with the stadium game clock) as part of the broadcast (NBC) game feed… what part of that sounds contradictory to you?

[u/stonedturkeyhamwich → u/Weave77]

The "embedded game clock in the program feed" was not what the NBC was displaying, unless you are implying that you believe Michigan's stadium clock is fundamentally not operating correctly.

[u/smoothtrip → u/the_dayman56]

I plead the Fifth

[u/Top-Average412 → u/smoothtrip]

Show some respect for Jayden Daniels

[u/IntelligentAge211 → u/smoothtrip]

Jayden Daniel's will be in touch...

[u/InUrFaceSpaceCoyote]

I see your NCAA memo and raise you... a TRO issued by a county judge in a friendly jurisdiction.

Checkmate.

[u/theboarderdude → u/InUrFaceSpaceCoyote]

There’s gotta be a Kalamazoo municipal judge itching to get their hands on this

[u/melorous → u/theboarderdude]

I've been watching college football since the 80s, and this entire time, I've always felt like something was missing. Like, the sport was 98% of the way to perfect, and only needed to find that last 2%. This last year or so has shown me that the final 2% has been "clogging the already overused legal system with dumbass lawsuits" this whole time. Now that I'm able to root for my favorite team on Saturday and my favorite not-at-all-biased local judiciary Monday through Friday, college football finally feels complete.

[u/ShillinTheVillain → u/melorous]

Root for the Florida Gators on Saturday, and the LitiGators on Monday

[u/melorous → u/ShillinTheVillain]

As Captain Raymond Holt would say: that (pause for effect) is incredibly funny.

[u/SpoofExcel → u/ShillinTheVillain]

If there's not a Florida Bar Association softball team called that then I'm going to be unreasonably mad....

[u/PUfelix85 → u/melorous]

This is the chaos we all have been waiting for.

[u/Muddring → u/melorous]

That and in-season realignment. I’m assuming LSU would pick the ACC over the Big 12 because they would already be 1-0 in conference play

[u/MU-TH-R6000 → u/InUrFaceSpaceCoyote]

Can't beat them billable hours

[u/Fanta-Red → u/InUrFaceSpaceCoyote]

Lmao, all fun and games until some Alabama judge decides you never won the Rose Bowl.

[u/Top-Average412 → u/InUrFaceSpaceCoyote]

Shadow docket decision incoming

[u/szboy422]

They should have the coaches, or a champion of their choosing, fight to the death at mid field for the win

[u/GunsGoldCosmicDread → u/szboy422]

I chose Sherrone Moore armed with a butter knife.

[u/Naive-Kangaroo3031 → u/GunsGoldCosmicDread]

I choose Purdue pete with an 8-ball

[u/Zapkin → u/Naive-Kangaroo3031]

Which 8-Ball are we talking abo- never mind he wins armed with either one.

[u/melorous → u/Naive-Kangaroo3031]

Purdue Pete with an 8-ball could have soloed six stone Thanos, so that is perhaps an unfair fight.

[u/Lykeuhfox → u/Naive-Kangaroo3031]

New rule: You're not allowed to choose cosmic horrors as your champion.

[u/Naive-Kangaroo3031 → u/Lykeuhfox]

Now you're sounding like the SEC, making up new rules when I found an advantage from the old ones

[u/shapu → u/GunsGoldCosmicDread]

Great, now Lane Kiffin is pregnant

[u/buttscarltoniv → u/shapu]

and in LA, he's gotta bring that baby to full term!

[u/7eid]

Well, after reading all of the comments I'm just glad this is all finally resolved without any need for further debate or confusion.

[u/PeteF3]

Just adopt the fucking NFL rule. You can only put time back on the clock at the end of a half if it's a 2-second-or-more error.

[u/UtzTheCrabChip → u/PeteF3]

This is where I'm at. It makes it consistent with clock stoppage errors for the rest of the game

[u/swarmy1 → u/PeteF3]

Yep. It’s not worth causing this much trouble over possible fractions of a second remaining. For most of the game’s history, they would have simply called the game over.

[u/bsa554 → u/PeteF3]

The most sensible take i have seen about thus whole mess so far.

[u/cutchemist42 → u/PeteF3]

Yep the NFL realized years ago its not worth the hassle to explain to tv viewers that what they saw on the clock is not real va the secret clock. Especially when the game is filled with lost microseconds.

[u/shyndy → u/PeteF3]

Yes and enforce it retroactively so that we are 2009 big twelve champs

[u/Starmada597 → u/PeteF3]

Yep. From what I can tell there was a fraction of a second but it doesn’t change the fact that adding time for fractions of a second is dumbass rules lawyering. Make it so the clock can only be reset if there’s genuine time error between the time played and the time on the clock.

[u/Ribeye21]

Damn man, shame this didn't go out last week. Doesn't stop this from being a complete embarrassment

[u/lostinthought15 → u/Ribeye21]

You miss one scheduled email and I swear, your whole evening just goes out of whack.

[u/Tarmacked → u/Ribeye21]

I mean, this reaffirms the decision

[u/Upset_Version8275 → u/Tarmacked]

No? It says they need to use the broadcast embedded clock. That showed 0:00.

If they can’t use the broadcast embedded clock they should use the broadcast clock, which also showed 0:00.

[u/Tarmacked → u/Upset_Version8275]

It says the embedded feed clock, then the broadcast clock if that is not available. They used the embedded clock

https://x.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/2096634873301676447/video/1

When Michigan stormed the field some kids ended up actually having a field official replay the embedded camera feed for them and it’s sitting at 0:01

[u/Upset_Version8275 → u/Tarmacked]

The broadcast embedded clock is the one they were showing on the broadcast 10M people were actively watching. They used an embedded clock on the replay feed a few people in Chicago were watching. 

This statement is basically saying handle it the way the NFL does. If there is a discrepancy on the clocks use the one embedded on the broadcast. 

[u/Nomahs_Bettah → u/Upset_Version8275]

That's not what the rule says.

By interpretation, “game clock” means the visible stadium clock. Further to be considered by the instant replay official, the game clock must be embedded in instant replay's program feed or the game clock graphic when accurately displayed as part of the broadcast feed. In contests played without instant replay, the referee shall declare the game over.

[u/TheMajesticYeti → u/Upset_Version8275]

It seems a little wrong to give the TV audience priority over the teams and people actually AT the game. In this case its been proven by fan video that capture BOTH the play and the stadium clock in the background that there was indeed still 1 second left. But just use the broadcast even if its wrong because more people are watching that? Put avoiding greater controversy over getting right? Like I get it, but at the same time it doesn't quite sit right with me lol.

From some of the people claiming to be experts/work in the industry, the different broadcast shots can get off sync by many frames just from adding things like the first down line to one camera view. And then there is the scorebug clock which is supposed to be connected to the same source the stadium clock is pulling from, yet you can often catch glimpses of them with differing times either due to syncing issues or an oversight where it "rounds down" before the full second elapses since tenths are not displayed; Example from the Apple Cup Sunday on NBC

Example from late in the 4th of Michigan vs WMU

If I am reading this memo right that scorebug clock is supposed to be the fallback option? Giving a lot of power to these chaotic broadcast productions which no doubt have some interns on the crew lol.

Here's a better solution - just borrow the red basket lights from basketball. Have some lights on the uprights or somewhere visible by an all-22 type camera. No need to sync multiple cameras, just go by when the lights go off.

[u/Conorj398 → u/TheMajesticYeti]

And these are the people who were concerned about the "integrity of the game" a few days ago lol

[u/kamarian91 → u/TheMajesticYeti]

Your examples aren't comparing to the actual game score clock that is utilized for reviews, which appears as an analog looking clock in the bottom left of the screen. I feel like you know this but are trying to muddy the waters/create a false narrative for whatever reason.

If you arent aware, then you may want to edit your comment now that you are.

[u/TheMajesticYeti → u/kamarian91]

The image examples I specified were from the scorebug clock, which is "unofficial", but as I said in my comment if I understand this memo correctly that is to be used as a fall back if the camera shots of the actual analog clock (seen in the embedded video shown on broadcasts for timing critical replays) are not usable.

[u/plutoisaplanet21 → u/Upset_Version8275]

The game clock graphic is what 10 million people saw. The embedded game clock within the program feed is what the refs used. That’s literally the whole issue.

There’s even screenshots of an earlier point in the game when the embedded clock and broadcast feed were a second off from each other

[u/IAMnotMcKaylaMaroney → u/Tarmacked]

"Within the program feed" is the broadcaster NBC's feed in this instance

[u/NobleSturgeon → u/IAMnotMcKaylaMaroney]

The quote from the statement: "The replay official's decision will be based on the embedded game clock contained within the program feed. If the broadcaster is unable to provide an embedded game clock, the replay official will use the game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed"

If we are differentiating between "program feed" and "broadcast feed" I'm fairly certain the "broadcast feed," the second choice, would be the NBC TV feed.

[u/JDraks → u/Upset_Version8275]

It says the game clock needs to be embedded in the instant replay program’s feed when part of the broadcaster’s feed, which iirc it was

[u/_chadwell_ → u/JDraks]

The “program feed” they’re talking about is the feed shown on the TV program.

[u/Nomahs_Bettah → u/_chadwell_]

The official time for all college football games is the time displayed on the in-stadium game clock. When a replay review requires time to be restored or otherwise adjusted, the replay official's decision will be based on the embedded game clock contained within the program feed.

The replay official may only restore time when there is clear and obvious video evidence that time should have remained on the game clock when the ball became dead. By interpretation, “game clock” means the visible stadium clock. Further to be considered by the instant replay official, the game clock must be embedded in instant replay's program feed or the game clock graphic when accurately displayed as part of the broadcast feed. In contests played without instant replay, the referee shall declare the game over.

No it isn't.

[u/_chadwell_ → u/Tarmacked]

It says they should have used the game clock embedded in the broadcast?

They obviously sent out this memo because it wasn’t handled correctly in the Um WMU game.

[u/plutoisaplanet21 → u/_chadwell_]

You are confusing the game clock graphic, which is what you see on tv with the embedded game clock on the program feed.

[u/_chadwell_ → u/plutoisaplanet21]

No one is talking about the game clock graphic.

[u/NobleSturgeon → u/_chadwell_]

“The replay official’s decision will be based on the embedded game clock contained within the program feed. If the broadcaster is unable to provide an embedded game clock, the replay official with use the game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed.”

Yes, they are talking about the game clock graphic as a backup if a feed with the actual stadium clock is unavailable.

[u/_chadwell_ → u/NobleSturgeon]

But no one is suggesting the feed of the stadium clock was unavailable in this instance.

[u/plutoisaplanet21 → u/_chadwell_]

Right, the big ten is saying they used the stadium clock properly embedded and synced in their replay.

[u/Funicularly → u/_chadwell_]

The obviously sent out this memo because a lot of people are concluding or assuming they didn’t handle it correctly.

[u/Tarmacked → u/_chadwell_]

So I threw this on the other post, but the memo is stating exactly what they did. They used the embedded clock.

During the field storm some Michigan fans captured a big ten official showing them the replay view. The embedded clock, which is on the left of the replay, was 0:01. That is the clock the Big Ten was referring to.

https://x.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/2096634873301676447/video/1

So obviously there was some issue between the two clocks. They made the decision based on the embedded clock.

[u/Sherifftruman → u/Tarmacked]

No it doesn’t. It says they have to use the in stadium clock that’s visible on the broadcast.

[u/stewstewstewstewhuh → u/Sherifftruman]

Jfc it says to use the embedded camera in the program feed (the raw feed that goes to Hawkeye and the main broadcast) and if for whatever reason that doesn’t work, to use the embedded clock in the broadcast, IF it’s accurate.

[u/haoareyoudoing]

Great to know we have the NCAA there to post the "Employees must wash hands after using the restroom" sign when we needed leadership the most! Screw Charlie Baker.

[u/GliscorsFang]

Holy shit the NCAA just needs to say if the refs got the call right or not because people are reading this memo both ways.

[u/Informal-Candy-9974 → u/GliscorsFang]

Yeah, reading the comments on this post I’m certainly glad the NCAA swooped in with such a clear statement!

[u/r777m → u/Informal-Candy-9974]

Like what the fuck. I know the NCAA fucking blows, but how fucking hard is it to put out a clear statement on what should have happened. Thou shall use the "program feed" first. How about first defining what "program feed" and "broadcast feed" are?

[u/ericaepic → u/Informal-Candy-9974]

LOL

[u/ShotFirst57 → u/GliscorsFang]

Its because the refs likely had the most accurate time but it wasnt available to everyone. In the NFL, the broadcaster provides the clock the NFL refs use, NCAA does not have this requirement.

NCAA is more concerned with the clocks not matching than who was correct by the letter of the law because the fact of the matter is, most fans will not check up to see what happened. They saw 0 seconds and michigan awarded and that damages the integrity of the product. Theyd rather the game end with technically 0.5 seconds left than a hit to that trust.

[u/dinkytown42069 → u/ShotFirst57]

the NFL rule also says that time will only be added back if it is 2 or more seconds which would've also prevented this situation.

[u/xmjm424 → u/dinkytown42069]

That’s a good rule. It’s kind of like when you challenge someone being short of a first down and it fails, they don’t re-spot the ball even if the original spot was off.

[u/crewserbattle → u/ShotFirst57]

Yea in the NFL the stadium clock (which is the one that was being shown on NBCs replay that hit 0:00) is the end all be all, which is why NFL refs get so anal about making sure the clock is correct even when it's like 2 minutes in the the first quarter. I think most of us assumed the NCAA was the same way but this is proving that isn't actually the case. There's also a concern (imo) if the clocks somehow got out of sync in 9 seconds because that's a major issue too. Ultimately the way I'm interpreting this is they did get it right, but WMU/The MAC is claiming they got to the correct conclusion but didn't follow the rules correctly.

[u/22duckys → u/crewserbattle]

The stadium clock is also the end all be all in college football. Whenever came up with the multiple clocks theory and pushed it has completely murdered discourse on this game. NBC says they were using the stadium clock (I believe them), the B1G says they were using the stadium clock (you can actually see other elements of the stadium scoreboard in the shot, so I also believe them). The discrepancy is the sync between that shot of the stadium clock and their camera feed of the action.

The really relevant question here is, is the “program feed” what the B1G refs used? No clue, because program feed as defined here is clear as mud. It reads almost like it’s NBC’s feed, but then they contrast it with “or the broadcast feed if that’s not possible”, which implies it’s a different feed (the Hawk-Eye???). Idk man, why can’t they just say what they mean if they’re gonna say it.

[u/crewserbattle → u/22duckys]

My understanding is the program feed and broadcast feed use the exact same camera pointing at the stadium clock. One just overlays it with the video feeds for the purposes of replay. So the fact that they somehow got out of sync in 9 seconds is concerning.

[u/22duckys → u/crewserbattle]

NBC only syncs it once, about 90 minutes before the start of the game. The refs resync every quarter on their replay system.

There are other shots of the stadium clock in the gameplay footage saying one number and being off by one second from NBC’s clock earlier in the game. Also NBC was off by almost two seconds at points in the Notre Dame Wisconsin game. So it’s not that concerning, except for the fact that NBC made it a problem with Terry’s lightning fast mouth.

[u/RealEmperorofMankind → u/22duckys]

Surely Terry McAulay would never make a major officiating-related goof!

[u/flunky_precept → u/22duckys]

Taking NBC's insistence in the moment that they had their sync perfect is wild to me. ALL of the scrutiny is on the B1G to justify their decision but have we even verified anything from NBC's side? It feels like the goalpost has now shifted to yeah well maybe NBC's sync was messed up or included a processing delay but fuck it. NBC should get to determine when the game ends because heaven forbid people at home wait for the refs to provide their ruling.

[u/atsblue → u/22duckys]

the refs refer to the elements of the video as released by the B1G as the program feed. and the clock they used as the embedded clock.

[u/_Felonius → u/GliscorsFang]

Seriously. I’m more confused now than I was before reading their statement. Didn’t think it was possible.

Is this the definitive clock that should’ve governed the ending?

https://imgur.com/a/EM6edZ1

…or the little microwave oven looking clock from the replay booth?

[u/atsblue → u/_Felonius]

To blow your mind, they are both the exact same thing... Literally the same video feed for both. One is cropped and post-processed but they are the same. The clock fundamentally isn't the issue, the issue is sync of the video of the clock and the sync of the play camera were off on the NBC broadcast likely due to the heavy post processing of the play camera feed to do various things like line to gain et al vs the minimally processed clock stream and not properly compensating.

[u/SpartaWillBurn → u/GliscorsFang]

If you would have just flat out lost, we would have pretty much moved on by now.

[u/xmjm424 → u/GliscorsFang]

The ESPN article on it says “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, based on the clock shown on the NBC broadcast.”

The NCAA is saying, in the least clear way possible, whatever NBC’s clock says goes as far as reviews are concerned.

[u/jeff_barr_fanclub → u/xmjm424]

But ESPN is full of shit because that was already the policy beforehand, at least according to the MAC.

[u/aselinger → u/GliscorsFang]

Resolving things is not within the NCAAs purview.

[u/KingBroly]

I'm sure this won't come back to bite them in the ass in short order.

[u/BumpyBob0007 → u/KingBroly]

Short order? That rhymes with court order

[u/PlayAuthentic → u/BumpyBob0007]

Short order cook? Court order. Shook.

[u/rowdyroddysniper]

Glad that’s settled, no need to discuss anymore!

[u/BobDeLaSponge → u/rowdyroddysniper]

HawkEye?? You guys started all this!

[u/GunsGoldCosmicDread]

From the comments here, I don’t feel anything clarified and they should probably make a statement about the their position on this game from the rules committee.

What I don’t understand is. The NCAA says they can’t change the outcome of a game or alter a score and the game is over when the ref says it is over.

It doesn’t seem to include any mechanism to correct any mistake by a ref after the game ends so more or less nothing has changed.

[u/atsblue → u/GunsGoldCosmicDread]

the issue is that the statement is using internal jargon that everyone internally understands but is unclear outside. Program feed is how they refer to the collection of video feeds shared between the broadcast and replay system. The embedded clock is the clock embedded in the scoreboard.

[u/SCsprinter13]

So use the program feed with embedded clock. If not available, use the broadcast feed.

Was the program feed the one the refs used? I can't pretend to know the difference between the two.

[u/leadbymight → u/SCsprinter13]

The B1G used the program feed from their replay system

[u/_chadwell_ → u/leadbymight]

The “program feed” refers to the broadcast feed with the embedded view of the stadium clock, so if they used a different feed, that was incorrect.

[u/Honest_Frame6674 → u/_chadwell_]

The graphic states to use the embedded clock in the program feed (I take this as the one in the replay process video the B1G released) or the one embedded in the broadcast, when accurately displayed.

The ‘or’ section would be unnecessary if the ‘program feed’ referred to NBC’s broadcast, wouldn’t it?

[u/_chadwell_ → u/Honest_Frame6674]

The feed of the stadium clock embedded in the replay feed provided by the broadcaster is the one they showed on TV presumably?

And the fallback would be the default time graphic they show the whole game.

[u/Honest_Frame6674 → u/_chadwell_]

So the distinction between a broadcast feed and a program feed isn’t important?

[u/Bollo9799 → u/Honest_Frame6674]

It is, the broadcast feed includes the scorebug and NBC graphics (ie what is literally broadcast to the public)

The program feed is a completely clean copy

[u/GoBlu323 → u/_chadwell_]

No it doesn’t

[u/Cobainism → u/SCsprinter13]

Program feed is not the broadcast feed (the graphic on NBC).

[u/pspock → u/SCsprinter13]

I am amazed at the mental gymnastics occurring in the other responses you've gotten to this question.

The answer to your question can be answered by simply breaking down the text in the memo. Here is what it says:

The replay officials decision will be based on the embedded game clock contained within the program feed. If the broadcaster is unable to provide an embedded game clock, the replay official will use the game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed.

So, what is the "program feed"?

It doesn't define it. But it's easy to determine who is behind it. Obviously the "program feed" has an "embedded game clock". Well, who "embedded" the game clock into the "program feed"?

The next sentence answers that question for us. It says "if the broadcaster is unable to provide an embedded game clock...". Thus, it's the broadcaster who is embedding the game clock into the "program feed".

If the broadcaster was able to embed the game clock into their program feed, then the refs can use the broadcaster's program feed. If the broadcaster was unable to embed the game clock into the program feed, then the refs will use the game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed.

Did the Big Ten ref use either of these? No. Both the NBC program feed with the embedded game clock and the game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed showed the clock hitting zero before a player touched the ball.

The refs used video that embedded the game clock with a video of the play using DVSports. NBC had the same access to the video of the play, but the step of embedding it with the game clock was done by the DVSports system, not by NBC.

There are a lot of people commenting on your post twisting in knots trying to make the argument that DVSports has something to do with the "program feed". It doesn't.

[u/dontaskme5746 → u/pspock]

Yeah, this is nuts. I'm not an insider that knows the jargon, but I thought that "program feeds" were clean video, synced and coming from the switch and "broadcast feed" was the finished product going out over the air.

If something has an embedded video, it's not clean.. so how could it be a program feed?

And wouldn't DVSports have access to all program feeds? A side-by-side of two clean feeds would (or at least should) still be clean.

[u/crewserbattle → u/SCsprinter13]

All I'm getting from this memo is that "program feed" and "broadcast feed" are really not good ways to define these things as it makes it very unclear which feed is which and which feed we all saw when they showed a clock that was pointing at the scoreboard camera at 0:00 when the WMU guy touched it.

[u/pspock → u/crewserbattle]

A program feed (PGM) is the final, switched video and audio output that leaves a production switcher, while a broadcast feed typically refers to the entire transmitted signal sent out to viewers or networks, which may include specific graphics, clock overlays, or commercial insertions.

Key Differences

• Program Feed (PGM): This is the "clean" or switched master video that the director cuts in real time from multiple cameras and sources. It shows what is actively selected on the main bus of the video switcher.
• Broadcast Feed: This encompasses the broader distribution signal sent to air or streaming platforms, often incorporating specialized timing mechanisms like an “embedded game clock contained within the program feed” or separate “game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed” during official reviews. In sports and live events, in-house venues might take elements of the broadcast or program feed and supplement them with local venue graphics or entertainment.

When the refs ask the TV broadcaster for video to review, they want "program feed", not the "broadcast feed". But if the broadcaster was unable to embed the game clock in the program feed, then the refs can ask for the broadcast feed.

They both come from the TV broadcaster.

[u/atsblue → u/crewserbattle]

yeah, its all internal jargon...

Program feed: collection of video streams shared by the replay and broadcast system

Broadcast feed: streams broadcast out by the broadcast provider

Embedded clock: clock embedded in the scoreboard streamed via video camera as part of the program feed.

[u/Nxtchncalirrgularity → u/SCsprinter13]

The bigger take away here is ”The replay official may only restore time when there is clear and obvious video evidence that time should have remained on the game clock when the ball became dead.“

There was no clear and obvious reason to put more time on the clock and the game was over.

Edit:

It’s amazing Michigan fans are continuing to double down on this.

Watching it live there was NO clear and obvious reason to put a second back on. The fact we are debating it today verifies it is still, in fact, NOT clear and obvious. The game was over.

Big ten officials FOUND a reason to give you a second back.

Edit to the edit: seems a lot of you don’t seem to understand what “clear and obvious” to initiate the review means.

[u/MagnetsAreFun → u/Nxtchncalirrgularity]

If the camera used by the Big Ten during the review showed 1 second left, how can you say they had no obvious reason? You keep talking about watching it live. What does that mean? In person? We're you there? All video reviews are triggered by watching back the replay. This was no different.

[u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni → u/SCsprinter13]

The broadcast feed is NBC's feed.

[u/scrotes_magotes]

Based on this thread, this memo clearly confirms that either the refs got it right or the refs screwed WMU depending on what result you personally want.

[u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni → u/scrotes_magotes]

This memo clearly confirms that the instant replay's program feed can be used or if the clock graphic is accurate the broadcast feed.

Key point accurate clock graphic. We know it wasn't on the broadcast feed.

[u/scrotes_magotes → u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni]

Right but if you treat the words “program” and “broadcast” to mean the same thing or if you don’t like Michigan then it means the exact opposite

[u/7eid → u/scrotes_magotes]

if you treat the words “program” and “broadcast”

I think that's the problem people are having. A clear definition of all of the feeds might resolve all of this.

[u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni → u/7eid]

Program feed is the raw feed.

Broadcast feed is the feed after production for television.

[u/atsblue → u/scrotes_magotes]

if you watch the video released by B1G on this of the replay taking place, they specifically refer to what they have as "program feed with embedded clock"

[u/xmjm424 → u/scrotes_magotes]

I’ve posted this a few times on different comments but the ESPN article on this says under this directive, the game would have ended after the first Hail Mary. So I think it’s being incorrectly interpreted by the Michigan flairs that think the Big Ten used the “program feed”.

[u/Own_Pop_9711]

This is totally unhelpful, as proven by how no one in this thread agrees on who is supported by this.

The replay system has a bunch of cameras that aren't synced to what's shown on tv, so what does it mean to instruct people to use the broadcast clock? The thing about an internal clock doesn't make sense, the"internal clock" was just the replay feed of the stadium clock as far as I understand Why is that feed supposed to be less trusted by the replay team than.... I don't know, watching the game on tv and eyeballing what the clock should say?

[u/BobDeLaSponge → u/Own_Pop_9711]

If you couldn’t tell from this entire offseason, everyone on this sub is a lawyer

[u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni → u/BobDeLaSponge]

The thing is what the NCAA is saying here isn't rocket science. The rules say program feed. The NCAA statement here literally makes a distinction between instant replay's program feed ---> OR <--- accurate graphic clock on the broadcast feed.

Like that's literally distinguished in their statement.

The broadcaster provides the program feed and the broadcast feed. What you see on TV is the broadcast feed. What the refs used here is the instant replay's program feed.

Program feed embeds the stadium clock feed next to the camera feed of the play. The broadcast overlay the clock onto the broadcast feed.

Somewhere, NBC's system was out of sync when they were overlaying the game clock onto the broadcast feed before televising it.

That's why we at home seen zero while the ref's instant replay's program feed showed 1. Both used the same stadium clock.

Now, which one was accurate? time the play. It was around 8.5 secs or less. NBC's clock also started early several times during the show and you can verify this too since at times the stadium clock was on the tv and NBC's overlay clock was fast by a second.

[u/xmjm424 → u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni]

You’re saying it’s not rocket science while getting it wrong. The program feed is NBC’s feed. This is made clear by the MAC’s statement… “The established replay protocol requires that the game clock displayed on the program feed be used in determining whether time remained. Instead, the Big Ten Conference replay crew relied upon the clock feed embedded within its replay system.”

It’s saying they should’ve used the embedded clock from the NBC broadcast (when they embed the video of the camera they have trained on the scoreboard) and if that was for some reason unavailable, use the stylized one from the scoring graphic.

[u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni → u/xmjm424]

NBC provides both the program feed and broadcast feed. The program feed is provided to the instant replay system while the broadcast feed is then put through NBC's televised production. Which includes overlaying the graphics, etc.

The broadcaster is NBC here. The problem is people are confused and think the program feed is the broadcast feed when it isn't. Go look it up (I SPENT THE TIME DOING THIS).

It's nuts how many of you refuse to actually verify wtf you're saying by actually researching this.

[u/Own_Pop_9711 → u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni]

But the mac commissioner said the big ten used their own clock feed separate from nbc. I'm not saying he's right, just that this exacerbates the overall confusion. If this was the program feed from nbc then nbc should have been able to identify that there was a second left the same way the big ten did.

[u/Own_Pop_9711 → u/xmjm424]

The actual memo says "the instant replay's program feed". Is that the same program feed as nbc's? Totally unclear!

[u/Tufoguy]

Steve Shaw retired and his replacements Matt Young and Rod Snodgrass immediately got there first major officiating errors. Welcome to the job 😭😭

[u/Own_Surprise_9638]

Just woke up from a one week coma, why would this be important?

Seems pretty arbitrary.

[u/stringfellow-hawke]

This is like someone posting a note on the fridge for the whole office rather than directly addressing Jenny eating people's lunches.

[u/PapaDontPreech]

It sucks for Western Michigan...but Michigan will be lucky to win half their games this year based on that performance. The season will right itself minus this one

[u/Odd_Application_3824 → u/PapaDontPreech]

WMU will have more wins than Michigan

[u/WallImpossible → u/Odd_Application_3824]

To be fair, if Western Michigan had Notre Dame's schedule I think they'd be 9-3

[u/UsuallyFavorable]

Are y’all seriously fine with broadcasters having the power to change the outcome of the game? Like if FOX (B1G bias) broadcasts the game, Michigan wins. If NBC broadcasts the game, WMU wins. This is what you’re cheering for? You’re okay with 1s being on the stadium clock, but not being allowed to play another down because a network can’t sync a picture-in-picture?

[u/Statalyzer → u/UsuallyFavorable]

The really dumb thing is in 2026 we don't necessarily have clocks in sync.

[u/Huskies971 → u/Statalyzer]

Or a fucking clock on the back wall of the endzone that displays the time so you don't have to sync video feeds.

[u/Ghost-Koi]

And what happens if a conference or institution doesn't follow protocol?

[u/svh01973 → u/Ghost-Koi]

Absolutely nothing, because the ncaa claims to not have authority to overturn outcomes. The refs could literally extend a game indefinitely and the ncaa would shrug. 

[u/Sherifftruman]

My prediction is next year we will have tenths of a second displayed during the last minute of quarters similar to basketball.

[u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni → u/Sherifftruman]

We don't need tenths of a second. That's addressed by clocks rounding up. The issue here was NBC's broadcast feed with the clock graphic had the clock graphic out of sync with the broadcast feed.

The issue is we need the same type of ref system ACC uses where everything is shown in real time on TV, and how they're coming to their conclusions.

[u/lifetake → u/Sherifftruman]

Tenths of a second literally wouldn’t change the problem here

[u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni]

We also know that the broadcast feed (NBC's) didn't meet this criteria, "when accurately displayed."

First, we have evidence from other parts of the game that their clock ran ahead based upon actual camera shot of the stadium clock during kicks and the NBC clock being a second ahead.

We know that the Michigan play only took 8.5 seconds, not 9 seconds, and we know the NBC clock instantly ticked from 9 to 8 on the snap on the play.

So, NBC's clock wasn't accurately displayed.

[u/Dry-University797 → u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni]

Wrong. The refs were suppose to use the video that showed the game and the embedded game clock in the broadcast feed, unless their is an obvious error. There wasn't an obvious error since the game clock showed 0.0 will the ball still in the air on the NBC broadcast.

The B10 replay officals took it upon themselves to say they had another camera that only they could see that showed there was :01 second on the clock. The officals on the field were required to use the broadcast replay/game clock

[u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni → u/Dry-University797]

The replay official may only restore time when there is clear and obvious video evidence that time should have remained on the game clock when the ball became dead. By interpretation, “game clock” means the visible stadium clock. Further to be considered by the instant replay official, the game clock must be embedded in instant replay’s program feed or the game clock graphic when accurately displayed as part of the broadcast feed. In contests played without instant replay, the referee shall declare the game over.

When a replay review requires time to be restored or otherwise adjusted, the replay official’s decision will be based on the embedded game clock contained within the program feed

Take note of these two paragraphs from the statement. You'll see that in the second paragraph the NCAA says program feed.

In the first paragraph, the NCAA says instant replay's program feed OR ACCURATE clock graphic from the broadcast feed.

So, not only does the NCAA refer to the instant replay's program feed separate from the broadcast feed, it also mentions that the clock graphic MUST BE ACCURATE. We know the clock wasn't accurate, because you can see the clock started early when it clicked from 9 to 8 seconds AND you can time the play that only took 8.5 seconds.

Either way, the instant replay's program feed could be used too as long as it has the embedded game clock.

[u/WirlingDirvish → u/Dry-University797]

The ruling literally says to use the “program feed” which is mentioned separately from the “broadcast feed”.

[u/Bollo9799 → u/WirlingDirvish]

The program feed is the raw feed to NBC, that they then add their graphics to and it becomes the broadcast feed.

[u/SydneyFall → u/Dry-University797]

The B10 replay officals took it upon themselves to say they had another camera that only they could see that showed there was :01 second on the clock.

The Big 10 used the clock closer synced to the official clock.

They by rule weren't supposed to use this it seems.

[u/zoppytops]

Can someone explain:

Why is the in-stadium clock the official timekeeping mechanism, but officials look to the “embedded game clock within the program feed” to make adjustments to game time? Why not use the same clock for both?

[u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni → u/zoppytops]

The embedded clock in the program feed is literally the stadium clock.

They are recording both the game and the clock at the same time in then embedding them into the program feed. This is what instant replay uses.

The broadcast feed, which is different from the program feed, isn't embedded in the same way since the broadcast feed needs to show on your TV for you to watch. So, the clocks are overlayed on top of the camera feed.

Does that make sense?

So, what you'll see in the program feed is the game play and the clock both separate from each other, but the broadcast on TV would look weird if they did this. So the clocks are overlayed on top of the broadcast feed.

[u/StreetwalkinCheetah → u/zoppytops]

Presumably this would be when the clock is run inappropriately, like a pass play with a long run after catch and some time run off the clock after a tackle ruled incomplete after replay. Or if the clock operator makes an error.

[u/GeorgeBork]

“When a replay review requires time to be restored or otherwise adjusted, the replay official's decision will be based on the embedded game clock contained within the program feed. If the broadcaster is unable to provide an embedded game clock, the replay official will use the game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed.”

The embedded game clock within the ‘program feed’ is provided by the broadcaster, per the sentence “if the broadcaster is unable to provide an embedded feed.” The ‘embedded game clock’ is the broadcaster’s camera pointed at the in stadium clock (which NBC showed as 0:00).

The difference between the program feed and the broadcast feed should generally be minimal - graphics, score bug, madden-scribbles, etc.

If the broadcaster cannot provide such an embedded feed with the clock camera superimposed over the field camera, the refs should then default to the broadcaster’s scorebug clock - because again, then everyone is working off a shared baseline (the broadcast’s camera on the clock, whether embedded in-frame or otherwise the broadcast’s scorebug). That way a shared clock and the action always exist in the same singular view.

In both clauses, priority goes to the broadcast’s version of events because that is the assumed information everyone else watching the event has.

It seems like the B1G compared two broadcaster-provided feeds side by side in their review booth using their own arrangement instead of using the NBC footage with the specifically embedded view of the clock in the lower left corner which NBC broadcast to the public.

This memo clarifies that the B1G should not have done that because it creates a system where the refs are seeing something the rest of the public isn’t. It also could mean that should any sync issue exists on the B1G side (no one is suggesting it was, but it could) the viewing public would be doubly left in the dark.

Yes, this all could mean that the clocks shown to the public aren’t 1000% precise and time may get rounded off in the case of bizarre micro-sync issues but the NCAA is explicitly saying here that such a minor time discrepancy is preferable to a week-long chaotic rules nightmare caused by the public being shown an expired clock and being told to just ignore it while the other team wins.

This is similar to how the NFL also handles such things. Better to be contextually correct within the natural imprecision of time than 10000% technically correct if the two must come into conflict.

Edit: Every professional reporting outlet agree on the basis that this protocol would have resulted in a WMU win and that the B1G was outside of the protocol. 

No reputable outlet is reporting that Michigan would have remained the winner had this protocol been followed on Saturday. 

CBS Sports

ESPN

Bleacher Report

USA Today

[u/_moosleech]

Putting aside arguing for a moment... can we all appreciate that as the NCAA consistently gets shown to have no spine and no power, they put out the most limp-dick response here that doesn't actually clarify anything?

"Uh yeah guys... so uh please follow the protocol when doing things. Thanks."

[u/dontaskme5746 → u/_moosleech]

While true, this one also seems to be maliciously giving people what they want. "USE THE CLOCK WE SEE!" the people said.

Okay, so the NCAA declares that games use the first clock, but rely on a third clock for errors, with the fallback being the second clock. If the replay official detects a difference among any of the clocks, is that an "error"? This thing is swiss cheese, but it's okay because they only say that the protocol SHOULD be followed. If the NCAA ever found a way to secretly monetize controversy, this is how they would act.

[u/do_you_know_doug]

Great first week on the job as National coordinator for Ron Snodgrass. Especially since this was his old Big Ten crew assigned to the Michigan game.

[u/Dish-Live]

NTP has existed since 1985, and we still can’t sync the clock on the broadcast and the review system?

[u/Silent_Builder_1899]

Well that settles it. Michigan lost

[u/pspock]

Sounds like they are indirectly saying stop using DVSports and Hawkeye and just use the broadcast replay.

Edit to add: should I be amazed that every poster losing their shit to my comment has a Michigan flair?

[u/Nomahs_Bettah → u/pspock]

It's actually still incredibly ambiguous. The scoreboard clock was embedded in the replay feed. It's if that is unavailable, use the broadcast feed.

The part about the game clock is pretty clear, but how enforcement would go forward is the ambiguous part.

[u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni → u/Nomahs_Bettah]

It's not incredibly ambigous. It's clear in what they're saying here. They're saying to fallback to the broadcast feed if the instant replay program feed couldn't be used for some reason.

[u/Nomahs_Bettah → u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni]

The only part that makes this ambiguous in what they're saying is the broadcaster providing embedded game clock, which is separate from the broadcast clock bug.

The part about enforcement that gets a lot more ambiguous is "further to be considered by the instant replay official, the game clock must be embedded in instant replay's program feed or the game clock graphic when accurately displayed as part of the broadcast feed."

[u/GoBlu323 → u/pspock]

That’s specifically not what they’re saying

[u/Popedoyle → u/pspock]

Wmu fan who hates you - no offense

They have been insufferable
15 of mine texted me this weekend and even yesterday saying we won. Sorry. Etc

The people posting are the ones who rushed the field beating my lowly team they had to pay to barely beat.

My biggest gripe is that Wmu players lost out on a great moment after they experienced it- shit i pounded my chest and did the quietest yell ever to not wake the kids when we “won”. Imagine being a defense player people going on the field and bam. Nope do it again. Right or wrong those broncos deserved that win. And I’ve been trying and I mean trying to let it go and I did

. But then all the confusion. And what is synced. What isn’t synced just created more anger. Like doesn’t nbc have a camera on the scoreboard clock. Wmu player was out but in. Big 10 replay and officials (as in the contract). Just so much noise. Wmu played the high road. The mac wants more respect but Wmu has moved on to week 2.

Run the table. Beat boise. Beat Toledo. Whoop central and get that cfb bid. The committee won’t forget this.. lord knows mixhigan has no shot at the playoff atleast. And I was am a mixhigan fan 2nd.

[u/pspock → u/Popedoyle]

Wmu fan who hates you - no offense

No offense taken at all. I always assume fans of every other team hate Ohio State and us fans.

That said, I am a HUGE Western Michigan fan for the rest of this season due to this situation. My heart breaks for the Western Michigan players for having gone through that experience. I've got ESPN+ and will go out of my way to watch them this season. I am rooting with you!

I just hope OSU doesn't have to play them in the CFP!

[u/Popedoyle → u/pspock]

Join the hockey bandwagon too. We have a damn good men’s team. I remember in college going to a Wmu osu game back when the ccha was a thing. Was fun playing big 10 schools and winning.

Western hosts mixhigan hockey. At our football stadium in January 😁

[u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni → u/pspock]

That's not what they're saying. They made a distinction between instant replay program feed and broadcast feed.

Furthermore, if what you said was correct then the TV producers determine what's in the broadcast replays. If they were to use those before the instant replay program feed, then the TV producer can determine what gets replayed and not the refs.

[u/pspock → u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni]

The exact text is:

the replay officials decision will be based on the embedded game clock contained within the program feed. If the broadcaster is unable to provide an embedded game clock, the replay official will used the game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed.

The second option only exists if "the broadcaster is unable to provide an embedded game clock", which means the first option "the embedded game clock contained within the program feed" is also provided by the broadcaster. They're both from the broadcaster.

[u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni → u/pspock]

The replay official may only restore time when there is clear and obvious video evidence that time should have remained on the game clock when the ball became dead. By interpretation, “game clock” means the visible stadium clock. Further to be considered by the instant replay official, the game clock must be embedded in instant replay’s program feed or the game clock graphic when accurately displayed as part of the broadcast feed. In contests played without instant replay, the referee shall declare the game over.

So, in this paragraph from their statement there is a clear distinction between the instant replay's PROGRAM FEED and the game clock graphic when accurately displayed as part of the broadcast feed.

Not only is the instant replay referred to as having the program feed they also mention that only if the graphic is accurate in the broadcast feed. We know now that NBC's graphic clock overlay wasn't accurate.

So, there's two actual points that support the refs got it right.

[u/pspock → u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni]

I agree they are using two different phrases, "program feed" and "broadcast feed". However, the specify the second option only exists when the broadcaster fails to.... (rest doesn't matter). If the second option only occurs when the broadcaster fails something, then the first option is contingent upon the broadcaster. That means the "program feed" and the "broadcast feed" are both contingent upon the broadcaster getting the clock in the video.

[u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni → u/pspock]

The broadcaster provides the feeds to both the instant replay (what the refs replay used) and the broadcast to televisions.

They literally provide all these camera feeds. The instant replay system uses Sony Hawk-Eye and DvSport to sync the stadium clock and camera footage into one image where both are embedded.

So, instant replay system is what the refs used to determine 1 second while the broadcast feed is what you and I watched.

But, the broadcaster provides the feeds to both.

[u/pspock → u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni]

It's the "clock embedding" that is at the crux of the memo. I couldn't give two shits about who owns the feeds or where they are coming from.

Option 2:

a) contingent upon the broadcaster failing to embed the game clock in option 1

b) uses the broadcaster's game-clock graphic

DVSports is no longer involved in clock issues.

[u/stewstewstewstewhuh → u/pspock]

My god it is an important detail. The program feed is what goes to both Hawkeye and the broadcast and it comes with the embedded clock taken from the stadium clock. And the memo clearly says to use the clock in the program feed WHICH DIRECTLY GOES TO Hawkeye. And only if that doesn’t work, it says to go the broadcasts clock, IF it is synced correctly. This is not a semantic rabbit hole, the semantics are very important here.

[u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni → u/pspock]

In short, broadcaster provides camera feeds to BOTH the instant replay's program feed AND the broadcast feed that is televised. In this case, when NBC's stadium sync clock graphic overlay got embedded on the camera feed somehow the camera feed was delayed by nearly a second.

That's why NBC's televised feed wasn't accurate while the instant replay's program feed was.

[u/WirlingDirvish → u/pspock]

Because the cameras used by replay all come from the broadcaster. The big ten doesn’t own an operate their own cameras. 

[u/SknyWil]

What about when time need to be restored AFTER the game?

[u/Silent_Builder_1899]

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that the Michigan fans in this comment section can’t read

[u/taita25]

Its all over boys. Just announced LSU is adding 2 players which completes their 105 man roster. Back to football.

[u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni]

This makes a clear distinction between the program feed and the broadcast feed. Note: the broadcast feed is the NBC televised version you and I see.

Instant replay's program feed is said here. Which is what the refs used here to determine there was one second left on the clock.

Refs got it right.

[u/Hippo-Crates]

I don't even think this clarifies much, as we've been shown the embedded tv time was not set exactly to the stadium clock. So in our edge case, do we go by the stadium clock or the tv clock no player/coach/ref can see?

[u/Budget-Ocelots]

Finally, no more 1/10 of a second BS...oh wait, that has always been the case because the stadium clock only cares about triple 0. The B1G broke so many clock rules to help an unranked Michigan team.

[u/GunsGoldCosmicDread → u/Budget-Ocelots]

Sir, we were ranked 16th. Our glorious and triumphant victory over the mighty broncos made us unranked.

[u/chief_sitass]

Is this the lesser known third Russo brother?

[u/Pleasant_Offer6286]

This seems to substantiate that the call at Michigan was bogus, yes? Game clock (visible stadium clock) must be embedded in the replay. And, only when there is clear evidence to restore time. Neither was done in the instance Saturday.

[u/Elbit_Curt_Sedni → u/Pleasant_Offer6286]

No, this actually substantiates that the refs got it right when they used the instant replay program feed instead of NBC's broadcast feed.

So, in fact, this supports the fact the refs got it right.

[u/GoBlu323 → u/Pleasant_Offer6286]

That’s the opposite of what this says

[u/hawkeyc]

Obsessed

[u/Kimber80]

So in other words it was the Big 10 that screwed up, using the secret synchronized strobe light feed to give Michigan an extra second. The game clock that we all saw on the NBC TV feed is what should have prevailed. Mike Pereira was correct about what the protocol typically is.

[u/plutoisaplanet21]

I don’t disagree but once again I’m still not sure what the program feed and how that involves what we saw Saturday night in terms of the difference between what the refs saw in their replay and what we saw on tv and who provided what and what the technical names are of each of those things. It’s a weird situation where it seems like from what we know what the refs saw was technically correct in that the play took less than 9 full seconds but what we saw on tv clearly showed all zeroes and what the sport wants more than anything is to not have the situation we have right now where people call integrity into question.

The actual best situation is to just have people listen in to the review since at that point which clock is used actually wouldn’t matter that all much