With six seconds on the clock, Western Michigan University had one chance to snatch a late victory over rivals Ball State in the Mid-American Conference showdown.
The Broncos had the ball on halfway and proceeded to throw a series of lateral passes that resembled rugby sevens more than American football.
After 14 passes, the ball went loose and Ball State players invaded the field to celebrate their win, but Western Michigan recovered possession and negotiated the crowd, with Skyy Moore eventually crossing for what appeared to be a winning touchdown.
You couldn't hope to see a more bizarre finish to a game - except the score was eventually disallowed, when officials found one of the lateral passes actually travelled forward a couple of metres, which was against the rules.
The Cardinals held on to win 30-27 and progress to the conference championship game against Buffalo University this week.
