The video evidence of Michigan’s signal stealing efforts has gone viral, with over 17 million views in just 36 hours. The footage, shared by Ohio TV reporter Adam King, shows Michigan analyst Connor Stalions standing next to defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and staring down Ohio State’s sideline to steal a signal. Stalions then responds with his own signal to aid Michigan’s defense during the opening drive of last year’s game. This video has sparked controversy and brought attention to the practice of signal stealing in college football.
One college football signal stealer, who works at a Power 5 program that does not face Michigan this season and wishes to remain anonymous, shared their insights on the practice. They note that while signal stealing is legal and has been well-documented in the past, Stalions’ alleged breaking of NCAA rules by obtaining tickets to games and filming future opponents has drawn intense scrutiny. They express surprise that people are only now noticing what goes on during games, as the practices shown in the video are similar to what happens on sidelines across the country.
The signal stealer clarifies that Michigan’s coaches were not breaking any rules in the video. They explain the signals used by Michigan and how defensive coordinators read and respond to them. The signal stealer also believes that most teams engage in some form of signal stealing during games. They point out that the outrage directed at Michigan is somewhat hypocritical, as rival coaches also engage in similar practices.
The signal stealer notes that signal stealing does not necessarily require elaborate schemes like what Stalions allegedly employed. By carefully studying opponents’ signals through game tape and TV broadcasts, patterns can be identified and decoded. However, they emphasize that results are not guaranteed, as opposing teams can change their signals from game to game.
In conclusion, signal stealing is a common practice in college football, and the recent controversy surrounding Michigan’s alleged infractions has shed light on this often overlooked aspect of the game. The signal stealer shares their insights and experiences to provide a better understanding of how signal stealing works in practice.