In recent weeks, the University of Michigan football program has been under intense scrutiny due to sign stealing allegations. These accusations were prompted by in-person scouting of opponents dating back to three years ago. Michigan football analyst, Connor Stalions, had purchased tickets to nearly 40 of Michigan’s opponents’ games as well as paid people to film the signals coming from the sidelines. The Big Ten announced that Michigan violated its sportsmanship policy for, ”conducting an impermissible, in-person scouting operation over multiple years, resulting in an unfair competitive advantage that compromised the integrity of competition.” The Wolverines head coach, Jim Harbough, was sidelined for the remainder of the regular season by the Big Ten Conference while the NCAA continued its investigation. The question must be asked, “Will the absence of coach Harbaugh jeopardize Michigan’s chances for a college football playoff appearance?”Although Harbaugh couldn’t be with the team for this week’s game, the Wolverines didn’t miss a beat taking down number 12 ranked Penn State on the road. The Wolverines have shown no signs of slowing down, but if the investigation continues their season and championship aspirations could be at risk.
