Michigan faced Penn State in their season’s biggest game without their head coach, Jim Harbaugh, who was suspended for three remaining regular-season games by the Big Ten over alleged sign-stealing. The team learned of the suspension upon landing at University Park Airport on Friday.
The NCAA rules pertaining to sign stealing itself are polarizing to such a degree that many others have acknowledged the fact that everybody to some extent has been guilty of it at some point. This only adds more fuel to the already enraged Michigan supporters who have started rallying around their beloved head coach. O.J. Simpson, the former football running back, actor, and broadcaster, recently weighed in on the Michigan sign-stealing scandal and how it had affected the Wolvorine’s performance.
“A terrific team”: O.J. Simpson applauds Michigan’s game
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O.J. Simpson, the former football star and media personality, opined that even though head coach Jom Harbaug was absent from the sidelines, “I don’t think it is going to hurt his team,” it in facts “put a chip on their back” which indeed is what transpired on the completely sold-out Beaver Stadium, University Park. He believes the team’s exceptional skills render sign-stealing unnecessary, emphasizing that the play is often predictable based on down and distance. While his opinion may not please Michigan fans, it’s a unique perspective on the situation.
You still have to play the game!!! pic.twitter.com/TD7m84bGNh
— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) November 11, 2023
He further explains how sign-stealing is something he is unable to relate to since, in his days wherever his team had to practice at the opponent team’s stadium that had a building or hotel near it, they would simply avoid their ‘exotic plays’ to make sure no one could steal their playcalling signals. He concludes with the notion that many have agreed to, “I think everybody does it,” sadly enough only Michigan seems to be the one being punished.
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Michigan’s acting head coach aced the game
Michigan’s outstanding 24-15 victory over Penn State, kept their undefeated record intact, despite Jim Harbaugh’s absence. It was a showdown of two top-rated defenses in front of 110,856 fans, marking the second-largest crowd in stadium history. With the win, the Wolverines advanced to 10-0 overall and 7-0 in the Big Ten. Penn State’s record stands at 8-2, 5-2. Sherrone Moore, Michigan football’s offensive coordinator, steps in as acting head coach and effectively guides the Wolverines through another historic win.
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Michigan’s coaching lineup went through elaborate changes owing to NCAA infractions. Head coach Jim Harbaugh faces a three-game suspension while other coaching assistants Jesse Minter and Mike Hart will take up leadership duties during Harbaugh’s absence. The coaching staff reorganizes roles to present a unified front for the Wolverines and manage potential NCAA repercussions.
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