Alabama is taking extra precautions to make sure Michigan won’t steal its signals before the Rose Bowl.
In light of Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal, Crimson Tide coaches advised players not to watch game film on their individual tablets. They’re instead reviewing tape in groups.
“The app we record film off…I guess they were looking at other people’s play calls, hand signals stuff like that,” Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Bond said Thursday, per Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press.
Interesting nugget from Rose Bowl media session this morning: Alabama hasn’t let players watch film on their own iPads as they usually do as a protective measure due to the Michigan sign stealing scandal. Only watching in groups.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) December 28, 2023
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Alabama WR Isaiah Bond tells me Tide players are NOT watching film on their individual tablets at recommendation of coaches because of U-M’s sign stealing scandal.
“The app we record film off…I guess they were looking at other peoples play calls, hand signals stuff like that.” pic.twitter.com/GdESHTEud0
— Tony Garcia | Detroit Free Press (@RealTonyGarcia) December 28, 2023
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Michigan’s alleged sign-stealing operation was all anybody in college football could talk about for a while, so it’s not shocking to hear the Crimson Tide are taking extra steps to protect their play calls.
The Big Ten suspended Jim Harbaugh for the final three games of the regular season amid accusations of an illegal in-person scouting operation. Former staffer Connor Stalions, who has been spotted standing next to Michigan coordinators on the sideline during games, purchased tickets to multiple games featuring conference opponents.
Central Michigan is also investigating photos of a man resembling Stalions on its sideline during its season-opener against Michigan State. The Wolverines notched a 49-0 win over the Spartans later in the season.
Harbaugh returned from his second suspension of the season to coach a Big Ten Championship Game shutout over Iowa. Despite the controversy surrounding his squad, Michigan is ranked No. 1 in the College Football Playoff following an undefeated season
Alabama wouldn’t be Michigan’s first CFP opponent to prepare for possible sign-stealing. TCU coaches claimed they created “dummy signals” to deceive the Wolverines during last year’s semifinal upset.
Nick Saban could have similar tricks up his sleeves when facing Michigan in the Rose Bowl. Monday’s game starts at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN.