For almost a week now, Ohio State Football’s main rival Michigan, has been in the midst of sign stealing allegations.
The accusations are fairly simple: Recruiting analyst, Connor Stalions, would visit upcoming Wolverine opponents, record their sideline signals, decode them, and stand extremely close to coaches on game days to help figure out what plays opponents would run.
That’s what is being alleged by and large anyhow before we get the benefit of anything that comes from an official investigation. So, patience Buckeye Nation before piling on, something not easy to do when brought up with the rivalry in The Game.
It’s a scheme that has seen more than a few coaches speak out on it, some with more intricate answers than others. Find out below what some Big Ten and other coaches around the country said regarding the most recent issues at Michigan. We have video, tweets in some cases, and a brief response for each.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day
Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day, when asked about the Michigan sign-stealing allegations: pic.twitter.com/qf92xiCh6i
— Dave Holmes (@DaveHolmesTV) October 24, 2023
Breakdown
Day took the high road and didn’t comment. No surprise here.
Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles
Jim Knowles when asked about the current Michigan sign stealing investigation. pic.twitter.com/ARWbnBxcRc
— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) October 24, 2023
Breakdown
Like his head coach, Knowles declined to comment on the situation.
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano
Greg Schiano cleared up his halftime comments against Michigan, which went viral after news broke that the Wolverines were being investigated by the NCAA: https://t.co/fvg0gcJbg7 pic.twitter.com/VSTYnvlMVS
— Brian Fonseca (@briannnnf) October 22, 2023
Breakdown
The former Ohio State assistant somewhat walked back his comments during a halftime interview while facing Michigan.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule
"If there's a rule, that rule should be followed"
Matt Rhule with an in-depth take on sign stealing in college football. #Huskers pic.twitter.com/9D9jvQMscv
— Jake Bartecki NCN (@bartecki_jake) October 23, 2023
Breakdown
Completely agree with Rhule here, rules needs to be followed.
Penn State head coach James Franklin
Coach James Franklin when asked about @UMichFootball sign stealing pic.twitter.com/giTibKB4Uz
— Braxton (@RealBraxtonM) October 24, 2023
Breakdown
Franklin seems like he believes the allegations, due to Michigan knowing when perfect calls don’t go well.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders
“You can have someone’s whole game plan, they can mail it to you, you still gotta stop it.” 🤷🏽♂️
Deion Sanders talking about the Michigan sign stealing scandal ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Ss6CD3G2Nn
— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) October 24, 2023
Breakdown
While Coach Prime is correct, there is a distinct advantage knowing what is coming, as opposed to not knowing.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart talking about if he was aware that Michigan were stealing signals from them. ⬇️
"There's nothing I remember about the Michigan game that makes me think that." 😳
Straight Savage. pic.twitter.com/g5BYmqFvR4
— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) October 25, 2023
Breakdown
As the post said, Smart’s response was savage. I guess that comes with the territory after winning back-to-back titles.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel
Josh Heupel addresses alleged Michigan stealing signs at 2022 Tennessee game https://t.co/yZQwEfPubQ
— Adam Sparks (@AdamSparks) October 25, 2023
Breakdown
One of the non-Big Ten schools that Michigan supposedly recorded, he believes it does give an advantage to the other school.
Liberty head coach Jamey Chadwell
Is it me or is this sus that there are Michigan fans on the 50 yard line tonight to see the Flames 🤷♂️ @LibertyFootball pic.twitter.com/wLQtzzXxFx
— Jamey Chadwell (@CoachChadwell) October 25, 2023
Breakdown
Didn’t know what Chadwell was an internet troll, but well done either way.
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell
Mike Norvell on Michigan situation.
"Sign stealing, That has been forever….. People are gonna pick up on tendencies."
"People coming to games, that's just unethical… You can't defend that. I can't."
— TraditioNole (@TraditiNole) October 25, 2023
Breakdown
Agreed, coach Norvell, the accusations are extremely unethical.
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