Wolverine-wary? Alabama is taking extra precautions

LOS ANGELES — Alabama is covering every angle when it comes to preparing for Monday’s College Football Playoff semifinal against Michigan at the Rose Bowl.

For the Crimson Tide, that includes making sure their equipment and video files remain protected in the wake of the Wolverines being accused earlier this season of using advanced scouting and electronically aided means to steal play-calling signs.

Alabama receiver Isaiah Bond and running back Jase McClellan said Thursday that studying video footage has been restricted to a group activity with coaches present at team facilities. McLellan also said players are not getting practice video directly on their iPads, and that only coaches are receiving it.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended for the final three regular-season games by the Big Ten Conference, although he denied any role or knowledge in the alleged scheme. Connor Stalions, considered one of the leaders of the alleged operation, resigned from Michigan’s staff after the accusations became public knowledge.

The NCAA does not prohibit stealing signs, that is, decoding the hand or visual image signals used to relay plays into the huddle during games. However, it does not allow in-person scouting or the use of electronic equipment to steal signs.

“The app where we record film off of practice and stuff like that, and they were, I guess, like looking at other people’s play calls, their hand signals the first eight games or something like that,” Bond said.

Quarterback Jalen Milroe said he was still watching video on his iPad despite the warnings.

“I watch tape all over the building. That’s what I’m doing right now. I’m going to be prepared for the game,” he said.

Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Rees didn’t want to discuss Michigan’s controversies and noted the focus was more on the Tide’s preparation and less on the Wolverines.

“I don’t think we’ve put any harm to what our preparation can look like with any of the things we’ve done. Again, we’re focused on us. Less about that stuff and more on what we can do to play well,” Rees said.

Alabama and Michigan use the same company software for their video viewing and data analysis. Bond added that the Tide change signals almost every game, and that any concerns about sign stealing might be a little overblown.

“It’s us going out there. They’ll have to play us on the field,” he said. “We’ll see what happens when you’re on the field.”

Alabama (12-1) won the Southeastern Conference title earlier this month by ending two-time reigning national champion Georgia’s 29-game winning streak and is back in the CFP after a one-year absence, this time as the No. 4 seed. Big Ten champ Michigan (13-0), the No. 1 seed, is making its third straight appearance.

They’ll face off at 5 p.m. Eastern on Monday in Pasadena, California, and the New Year’s Day CFPs semifinals doubleheader will be completed when No. 2 Washington (13-0) plays No. 3 Texas (12-1) in the Sugar Bowl at 8:45 p.m. in New Orleans.