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Sign crime? What’s the big deal over Michigan

By Ralph D. Russo The Associated Press The football program at the University of Michigan, among the favorites to play for the national championship, has become embroiled in an alleged sign-stealing scheme that involved impermissible, in-person scouting of opponents going back as long as three seasons. Both the NCAA and the Big Ten Conference, of which Michigan is a member, have been looking into the claims for nearly three weeks while the second-ranked Wolverines (9-0) continue their season. Coach Jim Harbaugh has denied any knowledge of any kind of improper scouting scheme in his ...

PSU point-counter: No, but boost public’s confidence (Rudel)

Is this a must-win game this weekend for James Franklin? When people start talking about “must-wins,” it’s usually tied to job security so my answer is no. James Franklin doesn’t need to win this game to keep his job. He’s under contract through 2031, a generous extension provided in 2021 by Sandy Barbour and Eric Barron on their way out the door. Presuming, at least in the fine print, the contract says it would help if he can be better than 4-15 against Ohio State and Michigan, there’s no question the fan base is not satisfied. Nor is it convinced that he’s the coach ...

PSU point-counter: Defeating UM would change narratives (Giger)

Is this a must-win game this weekend for James Franklin? The time is now. This is the game. This is the moment. If James Franklin can’t deliver, then the long-standing national narrative about him being a failure in big games will continue. At this point in his Penn State tenure, I’d argue that the No. 1 thing Franklin is known for by the masses is just that — he can’t win the big game. All the success, all the wins in other games, sure, those are important. Very important. Franklin is a really good coach. He’s done a lot of good at Penn State. But boy oh boy, what if ...

AP: Michigan in a close one

By Ralph D. Russo The Associated Press Finally, No. 2 Michigan gets a test. The Wolverines (9-0) have stomped through the season, crushing opponents by an average of 34 points per game, the best margin in the country. None of those opponents has been ranked in the AP Top 25, creating some questions about just how good Michigan is. A trip to Happy Valley to face No. 9 Penn State on Saturday will provide an answer. A cloud of controversy will arrive with Michigan, which could race possible discipline from the Big Ten for a scouting/sign-stealing scheme. Michigan-Penn State is ...

UM still threatening Big Ten

The Associated Press ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan warned Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti about overstepping his authority and rushing to judgment, insisting Wednesday that he cannot discipline coach Jim Harbaugh under the conference’s sportsmanship policy for an alleged sign-stealing scheme that has rocked college football. Parts of the blistering 10-page letter sent to Petitti were shared with The Associated Press by two people who have seen it and spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized by the school to disclose its contents. The ...

AP: Michigan will go to court to fight Big Ten

Michigan prepared to take Big Ten to court if punished without full investigation, AP source says The Associated Press Michigan is preparing to take possible legal action if the Big Ten Conference punishes the Wolverines’ football program before a full investigation into allegations of an impermissible scouting and sign-stealing scheme, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The potential for a court fight has increased in recent days as the Big Ten and NCAA weigh details and possible evidence in the case that has dogged Michigan for the ...