As it would turn out, Ohio State was completely justified in its hilariously over-the-top effort to prevent Michigan from stealing its signals. The Wolverines had a plan in place to do some “scouting” at Saturday’s college football game in Columbus but did not execute due to the ongoing scandal.
Toward the tail-end of last week, news broke that the NCAA opened a new investigation into Jim Harbaugh’s program. A staffer by the name of Connor Stalions has allegedly been at the center of a sign-stealing operation for at least three seasons.
He was suspended with pay by Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel on Friday, so something was up. We didn’t really know what exactly was going on, or whether he was breaking the rules.
We still don’t know all of the information. It’s just not looking great.
In-game scouting is permitted. Stealing signs during a game is not illegal.
However, NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1 prohibits “off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents.” A new report from Pete Thamel on Monday alludes to something of that nature.
Michigan staffer Connor Stalions bought tickets for more than 30 games at 11 Big Ten schools over the past three years. Also, video evidence of sideline taping is expected to be sent to the NCAA this week, caught by stadium surveillance this year.
— Pete Thamel
According to Thamel, Stalions had two tickets booked for the top-10 matchup between Ohio State and Penn State. One seat was across from the Nittany Lions bench. The other seat was across from the Buckeyes bench.
Stalions did not attend the game because he is currently suspended by the university, but it sure seems like his plan was to do some “scouting” and sign-stealing. That was almost certainly his plan if he was not away from the program.
Ohio State went above and beyond to cover all of their sideline meetings throughout the game. Their giant board-blocking system looked a little bit ridiculous and petty at the time.
Not anymore! The Buckeyes were completely justified in their efforts.
They knew that Stalions, or another Wolverines staffer, might try and sit near their bench to get a look at their signs. They took no chances and they were right!