The alleged sign-stealing scandal at the University of Michigan has taken the college football world by storm this week. As one of the top programs in the Big Ten, Penn State football has woven into the storyline numerous times as more information has become public in recent days. But new reports highlight just how close to Happy Valley the scandal has gotten, as a source is now stating on the record that suspended Michigan football staffer Connor Stalions paid for him to attend the Penn State-Indiana game today.
Plotlines in Michigan football sign stealing saga grow deeper
As many know, low-level Michigan football staffer Connor Stalions was reportedly paid to attend numerous games involving future Michigan opponents over the last several years. It was at these games that he allegedly recorded the playcalling signals of opponents to help Michigan gain an edge over its opponents.
Reporting this week now indicates Stalions provided other individuals around the country with game tickets to scout opponents. On top of reports that Stalions had purchased tickets for marquee Big Ten games like Penn State-Ohio State last weekend, evidence now suggests that Michigan had scouted teams around the country, such as College Football Playoff participant Georgia.
Source says he was paid to steal signs at Penn State-Indiana today
We’re now learning of several circumstances where representatives from the Michigan football program were attempting to steal signs from Penn State games.
Last night, a former D-III football coach told ESPN that he was approached by Connor Stalions to participate in the sign-stealing. The source, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, stated that he was paid to attend the Penn State-UMass game two weeks ago. “I only did a half because it was pouring rain and they were playing UMass,” he told ESPN.
The source also revealed just how close he was to entering Beaver Stadium again. In the article, he noted that Connor Stalions had also provided tickets for him to attend today’s game between Penn State football and Indiana. The coach said he had planned to attend until news of the NCAA investigation into the Michigan program broke last week.
The allegations surrounding the Michigan program are certainly appear damning. Opponents of the Wolverines were tipped off to the scheme as early as last season. TCU head coach Sonny Dykes said that the Horned Frogs changed their signs ahead of their Playoff game last year, evidently with positive results.
James Franklin noted this week that Penn State football is always on guard for opponents trying to steal signs during games, and that the program had made changes to its signals during the bye week. But with Michigan football coming to Happy Valley in two weeks, it’ll be interesting to see what, if any, this unfolding saga has on the field.
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