Gus Johnson didn't shy away from mentioning Connor Stallions right before Michigan's win over Ohio State on Saturday.
As Wolverines coach Sherone Moore celebrated with her players and waved to the crowd with just over 20 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Johnson, who called the game for the Foxes, said the first-year head coach's name. , further added: This time I'll cheat. ”
Although Johnson did not mention the Stallions by name, he appeared to be referring to the sign-stealing scandal that shadowed Michigan's program during last season's national championship run.
Stallions, a former Michigan State employee, was suspended by the program and ultimately resigned in November 2023 after being accused of orchestrating the in-person plan.
At the time, Moore served as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for former head coach Jim Harbaugh, and when Harbaugh was suspended for three games, he played in the final three games of the regular season, including the win over the Buckeyes. He became the interim head coach of the Wolverines. Results of the sign stealing investigation.
During his time as a Michigan State employee. Kersmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
When Harbaugh left in the offseason to become head coach of the Chargers, the University of Michigan was left with the Stallions re-emerging as defensive coordinator at Mumford High School in Detroit, with the fallout from the scandal still lingering. Moore was hired as his successor.
The University of Michigan defeated the No. 2 Buckeyes for its fourth straight series win, but the afternoon took a frightening turn when a scuffle broke out as the Wolverines tried to plant a flag on the field at Ohio Stadium. This brawl was one of four flag-related brawls. It happened on Saturday.
As police pepper sprayed the players in an attempt to break out a brawl, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said he had no intention of letting his Michigan players put up the flag. ” was defended.
“I don't know all the details, but I know they're going to put a flag on our field and our players weren't going to let that happen,” Day told reporters. “We're going to look into exactly what happened, but this is our field. The fact that we lost the game was certainly embarrassing, but we have proud men on this team who weren't going to let that happen. .”
Karel Mullins' 1-yard touchdown run and two field goals led to the Wolverines' upset, improving to 7-5. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes will wait for their next game after missing out on a chance to play in the Big Ten Championship Game. Their College Football Playoff fate.
