Michigan’s dominant run to the national championship game has been filled with controversy to say the least. Earlier this season, Connor Stalions resigned from his role on the staff due to all the sign-stealing allegations.
During a College Football Playoff teleconference this Wednesday, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy commented on sign stealing.
McCarthy said Michigan had to get better at stealing signs because of Ohio State. Apparently, the Buckeyes were quite skilled at it during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
“I don’t want to say a crazy number, but I’d say a good number, 80 percent of teams in college football steal signs,” McCarthy said, via On3. “It’s just a thing about football. You know, it’s been around for years. We actually had to adapt because in 2020 and 2019 when Ohio State was stealing our signs, which is legal, we had to get up to the level that they were at, and we had to make it an even playing field.”
J.J. McCarthy believes 80% of teams steal signs, accuses Ohio State:
“…I don’t want to say a crazy number, but I’d say a good number, 80% of teams in college football steal signs. It’s just a thing about football.
You know, it’s been around for years. We actually had to… pic.twitter.com/UQTzSB51bh
— On3 (@On3sports) January 3, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Michigan fans are loving this comment from McCarthy. Ohio State fans, on the other hand, not so much.
McCarthy has probably dealt with a million questions about sign stealing this season. We can’t blame him if he’s a bit frustrated. Of course, he’ll need to avoid those distractions and focus on the task at hand.
The national championship game between No. 1 Michigan and No. 2 Washington will take place next Monday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.