Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy says sign-stealing was a reaction to Ohio State…
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines didn’t let the program’s ongoing investigation into sign-stealing deter him from aiding the squad in winning games this season.
McCarthy thinks that sign theft by college football teams has “been around for years” and is a common occurrence in the sport. However, the Wolverines’ star stated that the program’s most recent controversy is a reaction to Ohio State lawfully swiping Michigan’s signage in prior years during Wednesday’s College Football Playoff conference call.
McCarthy stated, “We actually had to adjust because Ohio State was stealing our signage in 2020 and 2019, which is legal,” according to On3. “We needed to even the playing field and raise ourselves to their level.”
McCarthy went on, “I don’t want to give an outrageous percentage, but I’d say a good estimate is that 80% of teams in college football steal signs.”
In the 2024 Rose Bowl, No. 1 Michigan defeated Alabama 27-20 in overtime on Monday. The junior signal-caller, who completed 17 of 27 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns in addition to rushing for 25 yards on the ground, was a key player in the Wolverines’ victory over the Crimson Tide.
When Michigan plays No. 2 Washington in the College Football Playoff national title game at 7:30 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, McCarthy hopes to deliver another memorable performance.
