Alabama alters CFP semifinals prep, film review due to Michigan sign-stealing

Alabama is preparing for its Rose Bowl matchup with Michigan in a unique way due to the Wolverines’ sign-stealing allegations.

Alabama players are not watching film on their tablets as they get ready to face Michigan in a College Football Playoff semifinal game after being instructed not to by the Alabama coaching staff, according to receiver Isaiah Bond. Instead, film study is only taking place as a group.

“The app we record film off… I guess they were looking at other peoples’ play calls, hand signals, stuff like that,” Isaiah Bond said, according to Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press.

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

AL.com spoke with other Alabama players about the decision to not watch film on individual tablets, including running back Jase McClellan.

“You know, what Michigan is known for… What they have out there. Just the play-call stealing,” McClellan said, per AL.com.

Junior offensive lineman JC Latham provided AL.com with even more context about the decision.

“We just didn’t want to take no chances,” Latham said, per AL.com. “It’s a really big game. I think we have a really great film staff and guys who make sure our film is pretty secure but we’re just taking another precaution to make sure we’re all good.”

Players would normally be watching as much film as possible to prepare for a College Football Playoff game, but that’s clearly not the case as Alabama heads into its matchup with Michigan.

News first broke in October that Michigan was being investigated for in-person sign-stealing by the NCAA and the Big Ten.

Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh released a statement after the allegations.

“I want to make it clear that I, and my staff, will fully cooperate with the investigation into this matter,” Harbaugh said. “I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed any staff member or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment. I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action. I do not condone or tolerate anyone doing anything illegal or against NCAA rules.

“No matter what program or organization that I have led throughout my career, my instructions and awareness of how we scout opponents have always been firmly within the rules. Pursuant to NCAA rules, I will not be able to comment further while this investigation takes place.”

Harbaugh ended up being suspended for the final four games of the regular season, and there is no evidence that Michigan is still doing anything against the rules after the suspension. Still, Alabama is not taking any chances heading into the huge game.