Michigan sign-stealing leads to Alabama changing its film study
LOS ANGELES – Alabama is being cautious with its film study ahead of its Rose Bowl matchup with Michigan, which has been in the middle of a sign-stealing scandal this season.
Some of the Crimson Tide’s offensive players said on Thursday they haven’t been able to watch film on their individual tablets but instead review their practices together as a team.
“Basically like the app where we record film off of practice and stuff like that, and they were I guess like looking at other people’s play calls, their hand signals the first eight games or something like that,” said wide receiver Isaiah Bond.
“So we were able to watch film with the team, but personally, we can’t watch film because, I don’t know, some reason with Michigan stealing signs. I’m not really too keyed in on that.”
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended three games after staffer Connor Stalions allegedly purchased tickets to multiple non-Wolverine home games to scout in person, which is against NCAA rules. Stalions and linebackers coach Chris Patridge were both dismissed, and the NCAA is expected to release a notice of allegations for UM at some point.
Bond said coaches told the players of the film change before they departed for California, but Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Rees didn’t share details in his time with reporters.
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“I’m not putting any of my focus into that stuff, so I really don’t have a whole lot to say about whatever was going on there,” said Rees at the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles on Thursday morning. “We’re just trying to give our players the best chance to have success on the field.”
While it is different, Alabama’s players haven’t noticed it affect the team’s preparation.
“It hasn’t really affected me,” said Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe. “I’m going to find a way to work. I’ve still been watching tape. I’m still been trying to prepare the right way, prepare for this game as much as possible because that is something that allows me to be successful is the right preparation. So I’ve been still preparing the right way.”
Alabama and Michigan will square off in the Rose Bowl semifinal on Monday, Jan. 1 (4 p.m. CT on ESPN). While the sign-stealing scandal made headlines, it didn’t seem to phase the Crimson Tide players other than how it affected their film study. While they answered questions that were asked on Thursday, they are focused on the College Football Playoff.
“When we get on the field, they’re going to have to play us anyways,” Bond said. “So all that sign stealing is not going to help them.”
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