Sonny Dykes, the head coach of TCU, commented during Big 12 Media Days about the Horned Frogs’ strategy against Michigan in the 2022 College Football Playoff semifinal, revealing they changed their play calls due to concerns about Michigan’s alleged sign-stealing tactics. He remarked that his team used ‘dummy signals’ during their 51-45 victory over Michigan to counter perceived advantages from the Wolverines’ sideline behavior.

In response, former Michigan staff member Connor Stalions refuted Dykes’ claims via social media, expressing frustration with the ongoing narrative linking signals to game results. He detailed instances where he claimed to know almost every signal in games against MSU, PSU, OSU, TCU, Georgia, and Wisconsin, ultimately attributing losses to factors like tackling rather than any supposed sign-stealing advantage.

Stalions criticized the simplistic view of football strategy, stating, “Blocking, ball security, tackling, run fits & coverage tools. That’s football. This is not rocket science.” He further explained that Air Raid offenses, akin to Dykes’ approach, operate under similar principles, sharing play calls between the offense and quarterback.

Following allegations from the NCAA regarding his actions, Jim Harbaugh has denied participating in sign-stealing schemes. A ruling on the ongoing investigation into Michigan’s practices is anticipated later this summer.