The fallout from Michigan's sign-stealing scandal appears to have changed the way Alabama prepares for its New Year's Day meeting with the Wolverines in the Rose Bowl.
A number of Alabama players confirmed to reporters in California that the team has taken new safety measures when handling video research.
Players couldn't take their iPads home to watch practice footage, only watching game clips as a team. By Dan Wolken of USA Today.
The additional safety measures come after the University of Michigan became embroiled in a scandal that engulfed the college football world.
Former Michigan State football staffer Connor Stallions is accused of devising a complex sign-stealing and in-person sophisticated scouting scheme.
The Stallions resigned in the wake of the scandal, and Harbaugh was suspended for the final three Big Ten games of the season.
Despite all the allegations and personnel changes, the Stallions and Michigan State were never accused of computer hacking to gather information.
Alabama receiver Isaiah Bond told reporters, “For some reason, just like as a team we were able to watch the film, but personally I can't watch the film,'' Because you don't know if they're going to steal it,” he said. According to the Tuscaloosa News.
“Our coaches said that probably a week ago, right before we got here.”
Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Reese did not elaborate on why the football program made the change ahead of the matchup against Michigan. USA Today reported.
“I'm not going to be involved in the whole movie, like sign stealing or anything like that. I'm not talking about that,” Reese said. “Our job is to give our players the best chance to be successful on the field. We're focused on what we're trying to do and that's really all there is to it.”
Alabama players acknowledged that this was a notable departure from the team's usual practices, but it had no negative impact on their Rose Bowl preparations.
Despite the drama surrounding the Wolverines, the University of Michigan remained undefeated, winning the Big Ten title in the process.
The winner of this semifinal will face the winner of the Washington-Texas game for the national title.
