Cade Stover Michigan: Former Ohio State tight end Cade Stover recently spoke out about the alleged Michigan sign-stealing scandal. During a media session with his current team, the Houston Texans, Stover shared his thoughts on the situation, revealing insights from his time with the Buckeyes.
The Allegations
Michigan’s sign-stealing operation came under scrutiny in October 2023. Reports claimed that Connor Stalions, a former Michigan staffer, led an elaborate scheme to steal opponents’ signs, dating back to at least 2021. The NCAA is investigating these claims, with Michigan receiving a Notice of Allegations that includes level 1 violations for former staff and a level 2 violation for current coach Sherrone Moore.
Stover’s Experience
Stover, who played as Ohio State’s starting tight end against Michigan in the 2022 and 2023 games, shared a telling moment that made him suspicious of Michigan’s tactics. He described a play where Ohio State tried to run a tight end screen from a new formation. Michigan’s defense, however, seemed to anticipate this play, leading Stover to question what was going on.
Stover recalled, “We tried to throw a tight end screen in a formation we’ve never used before, like ever. When they start yelling ‘screen’ when you’re throwing a tight end screen, that’s when you know, like, what the f— is this?”
The Controversial Play
Stover’s comments appear to refer to a specific play during Ohio State’s 45-23 loss to Michigan. In this play, Stover was lined up for a tight end screen, but Michigan’s defenders seemed to react unusually fast. Despite the attempt, Stover was covered, and the play was disrupted.
NCAA Investigation and Reactions
The NCAA’s draft allegations against Michigan include serious accusations involving former head coach Jim Harbaugh and several staff members. The allegations highlight significant breaches of NCAA rules, adding fuel to the ongoing controversy.
Stover’s frustration with Michigan was evident when asked about his feelings towards the team. “Nope, not possible, but I don’t have a lot of room to talk. I didn’t do much. They beat us, so it is what it is,” Stover said.
What’s Next?
As the NCAA investigation continues, the fallout from the sign-stealing scandal may lead to significant changes in college football’s policies and ethics. The situation underscores the need for stringent regulations to ensure fair play in the sport.
Stover’s remarks provide a glimpse into the impact of the scandal on players and highlight the broader implications for collegiate athletics. As the investigation unfolds, the sports community will be watching closely to see how these developments shape the future of college football.
