Michigan Football Sign-Stealing: Alabama Changing Film Study

Just now, the media heard from several Alabama players, including JC Latham, Isaiah Bond, Jalen Milroe, and more. According to these players, the Tide are taking extra steps when it comes to their film as a precaution amid the Michigan football sign-stealing investigation, though the players seem largely unconcerned.

Alabama making changes to its film-watching practices due to Michigan football sign-stealing investigation

Two Alabama players, Isaiah Bond and Tyler Booker, just said that Alabama has not been able to watch film on their at-home tablets due to the sign-stealing allegations. Booker added that Bama wants to keep anything more in-house. pic.twitter.com/YIXKoXworn

— CJ Mangum (@CMBB90) December 28, 2023

Isaiah Bond

Isaiah Bond said on Thursday that Alabama is not watching film on their tablets — this is in response to the Michigan football sign-stealing scandal, which remains under NCAA review despite the Wolverines being in the College Football Playoff.

“I didn’t really pay too much attention to (the sign-stealing news),” Isaiah Bond said. “The system that I guess they were taking signs from, they made it (unavailable) anyways for the playoffs because of that. When we get on the field, they’re gonna have to play us anyway, so all that sign-stealing won’t help them.

“… We are able to watch film with the team, but we can’t watch film (individually),” he added. ” … Our coaches told us that probably a week ago right before we came to (the Rose Bowl) and prepared for this game.”

Alabama WR Isaiah Bond tells me Tide players are NOT watching film on their individual tablets at recommendation of coaches because of U-M’s sign stealing scandal.

“The app we record film off…I guess they were looking at other peoples play calls, hand signals stuff like that.” pic.twitter.com/GdESHTEud0

— Tony Garcia | Detroit Free Press (@RealTonyGarcia) December 28, 2023

In essence, Alabama is not allowing players to watch film on their individual tablets as a precaution against the Michigan football sign-stealing scandal.

Tyler Booker

Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker added that, despite the changes in Bama’s film-watching scheme, he feels their prep for Michigan football is going just fine.

“We’re trying to keep information like that in-house, but we are still treating this game — the preparation for this game — like we would any other game.”

Booker also confirmed to me that Isaiah Bond’s statement that Bama is not allowing players to watch film on their tablets is accurate.

JC Latham

I also asked Alabama offensive lineman JC Latham about it, and he seemed pretty unconcerned with the changes and the sign-stealing. In fact, Latham explained that Bama is just taking precautious and that the Tide are watching more film right now, if anything.

“Just being more intricate — being more precautious. We just don’t want to take any chances. … Not really (something Alabama is worried about), we’re just focused on the game…”

Bama not taking any chances with Michigan football ahead of the Rose Bowl

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe also explained that the Tide are watching the same amount of film, their process is just a bit different due to the allegations. Again, all as a precaution.

Ahead of the Rose Bowl, it’s clear that Alabama is taking every possible precaution before facing Michigan football amid the sign-stealing investigation.

Interesting nugget from Rose Bowl media session this morning: Alabama hasn’t let players watch film on their own iPads as they usually do as a protective measure due to the Michigan sign stealing scandal. Only watching in groups.

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) December 28, 2023

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