Big Ten is utilizing enhanced replay entry this season, in Friday video games solely

Last night time’s controversial end to the Western Michigan-Michigan sport would have been considerably much less controversial if the Big Ten had deployed transparency within the replay course of. While many would have nonetheless disagreed with the end result, listening to the conversations that resulted within the conclusion that Michigan ought to have yet one more probability to win the sport on a Hail Mary throw would have dulled, to some extent, the knee-jerk response that the repair was in.

As it seems, the Big Ten has dipped a pinky toe within the transparency waters for 2026. Earlier this week, the convention introduced that Friday broadcasts will embrace “access to live audio between the game referee and replay official during reviews.”

Unfortunately, it’s getting used just for Friday video games. This week, it was accessible for Purdue vs. Indiana State, Michigan State vs. Toledo, and USC vs. Fresno State.

Here’s the remaining schedule: Oregon vs. Portland State (September 18); Rutgers vs. Howard (September 25); Indiana vs. Northwestern (September 25); Northwestern vs. Penn State (October 2); Washington vs. Iowa (October 9); Purdue vs. Washington (October 16); Illinois vs. Nebraska (November 6); UCLA vs. Illinois (November 13); Michigan State vs. Oregon (November 20); Iowa vs. Nebraska (November 27); and Wisconsin vs. Minnesota (November 27).

Some transparency is best than none. But, clearly, it will have been higher on Saturday night time if the brand new strategy to replay entry by the Big 10 wasn’t a Friday factor solely this season.