No. 16 Michigan snatched an incredible 13-12 victory over Western Michigan last Saturday to kick off the 2026 season, and guess what? It’s already stirring the pot, becoming the latest in a long line of controversial endings in college football. You’d think with all the tech, all the cameras, and every ref imaginable on the field and in the command center, we’d be past this. Nope. Errors still compound, and pure chaos still reigns supreme in this sport. It’s wild!
The Fifth Down Fiasco That Changed History
Talk about a gut punch. Back in 1990, Colorado straight up beat Missouri 33-31, but the entire win was built on a monumental screw-up: the Buffaloes were awarded five downs. Yeah, FIVE. Rules say four, obviously, but they got an extra one and won the game as time expired on a play that should never, ever have happened. There’s even talk about whether Colorado QB Charles Johnson actually scored on that phantom down. And get this for a fun tidbit: the down-marker operator on the chain gang was a Missouri alum. Seriously? This fifth down didn’t just end a game; Colorado went on to finish the season 10-1-1 and split a national championship with Georgia Tech. That’s a huge “what if” moment.
One Second Back, Hearts Broken
Then there’s the 2009 Big 12 Championship Game. No. 3 Texas, fighting for a BCS title spot, was trailing Nebraska 12-10 with the clock ticking down. Texas QB Colt McCoy throws a pass out of bounds on third down, and it looked like time expired. Nebraska celebrated like crazy, clock showing triple zeros. But Texas coach Mack Brown, screaming “no” and holding up one finger, insisted they had a second left. After a video review, Brown was proven right! Officials put one second back on the clock, giving Hunter Lawrence a shot at a 46-yard field goal. He nailed it. Texas won 13-12 and went to the BCS Championship Game. Can you imagine the swing? One second, that’s all it took to flip that game on its head.
These kinds of finishes, whether you’re celebrating or furious, are what make college football absolutely unforgettable. Michigan’s win just reminded us all that the wild ride of this season is only just getting started. Buckle up, folks, because if history is any guide, we’re in for more heart-stopping moments, for better or worse.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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