Report: Ohio State Buckeyes Inquired About In-Person Scouting Ahead Of Last Year's College Football Playoff
Michigan remains in hot water due to its role in sign-stealing last season among future opponents, but was it the only program trying to scout other teams prior to the College Football Playoff?
According to Yahoo Sports, no. Ohio State asked the NCAA prior to the College Football Playoff semifinal if it could send staff members to the Fiesta Bowl to scout Michigan vs. TCU.
An NCAA spokesperson confirmed to Yahoo Sports that a school reached out for clarification about the in-person scouting policy. Because the playoff is not an NCAA-operated event, the organization turned to the CFP. - Ross Dellenger
According to CFP executive director Bill Hancock, there was no policy stating that teams could not scout future opponents by attending games and "operated without one until the question was raised."
Without a policy in place, CFP officials turned to the NCAA’s postseason policy around in-person scouting. It was ruled that football staff members could attend the opposite semifinal to scout their possible opponent in a national championship game.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (No. 32) runs upfield for a first down gain against Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis.
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK
Per Yahoo Sports, all four teams were notified that potential staff members from different programs could be attending their semifinal game in Glendale, Ariz., or Atlanta, Ga., respectively. Both TCU and Georgia confirmed they did not send staff members to opposing semifinals, though it is unclear if Michigan and Ohio State sent members to scout their potential national championship opponent.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Michigan staffer Connor Stalions purchased tickets to more than 30 games at 11 different Big Ten schools over the past three years. The No. 2 Wolverines (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) were on a bye in Week 9.
The NCAA launched a full investigation against Michigan to look further into the sign-stealing probe. As of now, it is unclear if the NCAA will punish the Wolverines or come to a final verdict before this year's College Football Playoff.
The No. 3 Buckeyes improved to 8-0 with a 24-10 win over Wisconsin Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium. The Buckeyes and Wolverines are set to play at Michigan Stadium for what could decide the Big Ten East winner for a third consecutive season on Nov. 25.
While "The Game" has always been one of college football's better rivalries, it's become a must-see television event in the previous two seasons. Michigan has won the last two matchups, breaking an eight-year losing streak in 2021 while securing its spot in the Big Ten title game.
The Buckeyes will face Rutgers this Saturday at 11 a.m.
