The latest report regarding Michigan’s sign stealing scandal claims TCU knew the Wolverines had decoded their signals prior to their College Football Playoff semifinal matchup last season.
As a result, the Horned Frogs made some tweaks to their signals before playing (and beating) the Maize and Blue, writes Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger.
“They mixed in new play-call signals with old ones, using what one TCU staff member described as “dummy signals” in an effort to trick the UM staff,” Dellenger said. “The dummy signals were old play-calls that had since been changed. Players were told to ignore the dummy signals and run the original play as called with the new signals.”
TCU coaches learned from other staffs about Michigan’s “elaborate” sign-stealing before the CFP semifinal.
TCU changed signs but used “dummy” (old) signs to trick the Wolverines, coaches tell @YahooSports. TCU players were told to ignore the dummy signs.https://t.co/Ga2Qi8HxlG
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 26, 2023
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The latest reporting from Dellenger has sparked loads of commentary on X/Twitter.
“All I’m hearing here is Sonny Dykes has better OpSec and counterintelligence than the Marines,” said college football Twitter personality/podcaster Brian Floyd.
“So let me make sure I understand: Everyone in the Big Ten knew Michigan was stealing signs. They told TCU. TCU made one simple change, and they scored a billion points and won. I am compelled to ask: why did those Big Ten teams still get stomped?” wondered one Michigan fan.
So let me make sure I understand:
Everyone in the Big Ten knew Michigan was stealing signs. They told TCU. TCU made one simple change, and they scored a billion points and won.
I am compelled to ask: why did those Big Ten teams still get stomped? https://t.co/JFSfwP4HTm
— Bryan Mac (@Bry_Mac) October 26, 2023
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“It’s worth noting, TCU had 15 postseason practices to install new signals and play calls. That’s not necessarily something that a team can just do in a week of practices,” countered CBS Sports’ Shehan Jeyarajah, who also noted that Michigan hasn’t won a bowl game under Harbaugh since 2015.
It’s worth noting, TCU had 15 postseason practices to install new signals and play calls. That’s not necessarily something that a team can just do in a week of practices.
Also worth noting… Michigan has not won a bowl game under Jim Harbaugh since 2015. https://t.co/QzVcu11d3A
— Shehan Jeyarajah (@ShehanJeyarajah) October 26, 2023
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“So people have known but no one blew the whistle?” another person asked.
So people have known but no one blew the whistle?
— CFBCOSDAWG (@CFBcosdawg) October 26, 2023
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“Smart strategy and what most schools do to gain a change in tendency advantage,” a fifth commenter chimed in.
Smart strategy and what most schools do to gain a change in tendency advantage.
— Football Scout 365 (@DraftAnalyst365) October 26, 2023
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TCU, a 7.5-point underdog, beat Michigan 51-45 in the Fiesta Bowl to advance to the national championship.
The Horned Frogs were routed in that final matchup, losing 65-7 to Georgia.