"Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy Speaks Out on Sign-Stealing Saga in College Football"

Michigan's football team continues to succeed despite the scandal involving former staffer Connor Stalions' sign-stealing operation, which violated NCAA rules. The team's performance, including victories over top teams even during head coach Jim Harbaugh's suspension, suggests that the actual advantage gained from the illicit scouting was overstated. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy pointed out that sign-stealing is common in football, and the NCAA has not found widespread knowledge of the scheme within the Michigan program. The ongoing success of the team challenges the narrative that their previous wins were solely due to stolen signs, drawing parallels to the NFL's "Deflategate" scandal where the actual impact of the accused cheating was minimal compared to the skills and performance of the players involved.