Alabama changing pregame prep in response to Michigan sign-stealing
Alabama coach Nick Saban looks on. Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Alabama Crimson Tide are still concerned about Michigan’s sign-stealing allegations to the point that they are making some changes for their College Football Playoff preparation.
The Crimson Tide are not allowing players to watch game film on their iPads as they usually do, according to Dan Wolken of USA Today. Instead, players can only watch film in groups.
Interesting nugget from Rose Bowl media session this morning: Alabama hasn’t let players watch film on their own iPads as they usually do as a protective measure due to the Michigan sign stealing scandal. Only watching in groups.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) December 28, 2023
Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Bond said the move came at the recommendation of coaches, citing concerns about the app used to watch film.
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
It is not clear what Alabama thinks this would be preventing, but they are clearly taking no chances when it comes to Michigan. Plus, the details of the investigation suggest that this is not how Michigan was allegedly stealing signs anyway.
The Tide are clearly leaving no stone unturned when it comes to getting advantages over the Wolverines. That certainly played a role in their hiring of a former Michigan coach ahead of the Rose Bowl.