Watch: Michigan loses defensive TD on controversial review vs. Michigan State

A lengthy review followed as officials looked to determine whether Thorne was down before losing the ball. Fox analyst Joel Klatt and rules expert Mike Pereira both agreed that there was not enough evidence to overturn the call on the field and expected the touchdown to stand.

Surprisingly, however, the officials ruled that Thorne’s shin was down prior to the fumble. It meant the sack stood, but the turnover and ensuing touchdown did not.

It’s not really clear how the officials made the determination. There was not any clear camera angle that showed Thorne down with possession. Unless there was an angle that was not shown on television, it’s hard to figure out where the officials got the conclusive evidence they are supposed to need in order to overturn the call on the field.

The significance of the overturned call was enormous. Had the call on the field stood, the Wolverines would have been up 27-14 and poised to get the ball first in the second half.

Ironically, the Spartans beat Michigan a year ago with the help of a bizarre non-review. Replay might end up being their friend again if they can come back and win Saturday.