The Alabama Crimson Tide are taking extreme measures to ensure their signs aren’t stolen by the Michigan Wolverines ahead of the Rose Bowl.
The Wolverines are still the subject of a sign-stealing investigation by the NCAA, but Nick Saban still isn’t taking any chances in the buildup to their CFP semifinal matchup.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, wide receiver Isaiah Bond revealed that Saban and the rest of his Alabama staff have changed the way film is being studied. This is usually around the time when players would have their noses stuck to an iPad to watch opponents’ tape, as well as film from their own practices.
That isn’t happening this time around, however.
“The app we record film off… I guess they were looking at other people’s play calls, hand signals, stuff like that,” Bond said.
Bond and offensive lineman teammate Tyler Booker both disclosed that Alabama coaches have asked players not to watch film on their tablets as they’re looking to keep things in-house. The team has been meeting in groups to view film together on a screen that isn’t connected to their iPads.
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It’s been reported that the TCU Horned Frogs were warned of Michigan’s alleged shady tactics last season and came up with fake signals to put the Wolverines off in the playoffs. Given that they beat them to advance to the National Championship game, the ploy must have been effective.
Alabama and Michigan will square off at 6:00 PM ET on New Year’s Day.
