In the lead up to their national title game, the Michigan Wolverines are still facing questions regarding the sign-stealing scandal that rocked the program in the fall. As the team prepares to face Washington in the College Football Playoff final on Monday night, both coaches and players are addressing the fallout from the controversy.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh, known for his unwavering focus, reiterated his single-minded approach to the upcoming game. Meanwhile, quarterback J.J. McCarthy stepped forward to defend Michigan, asserting that sign-stealing is prevalent across college football. McCarthy also accused Ohio State of engaging in sign-stealing during their match-up in 2019.

During a conference call with reporters on Wednesday, McCarthy stated, "I'd say a good number, 80 percent, of the teams in college football steal signs. It's just a thing about football. We actually had to adapt because in 2020 or 2019 when Ohio State was stealing our signs, which is legal and they were doing it, we had to get up to the level they were at. We had to make it an even playing field."

Although McCarthy was not part of the team during the 2019 or 2020 seasons, it marks the first time a Michigan player has publicly accused another team of sign-stealing since the Wolverines' own sign-stealing scheme was exposed in October.

Since the scandal came to light, the NCAA has launched an investigation into potential rules violations related to in-person scouting rules. The staff member allegedly at the center of the controversy, Connor Stalions, has resigned, and assistant coach Chris Partridge was fired for interfering in the probe. In November, it was reported that a spreadsheet containing Michigan's play calls had circulated among Big Ten coaches.

McCarthy expressed frustration over the ordeal, highlighting the extensive effort put into studying opponents. He stated, "You could say it's all sign stealing, but there's a lot more that goes into play, and a lot of stuff that gets masked, a lot of work that gets masked just because of the outside perception of what sign stealing is all about."

Adding to the challenges faced by the Wolverines, head coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended for three games in mid-November due to a violation of the Big Ten's sportsmanship policy. Harbaugh had earlier served an additional three-game suspension for unrelated reasons. Nonetheless, Harbaugh has returned to the field, leading Michigan to victories in the Big Ten championship against Iowa and the recent Rose Bowl against Alabama.

Despite the ongoing sign-stealing controversy, the Michigan team remains focused on their upcoming game. Sophomore defensive tackle Mason Graham highlighted the team's high football IQ and commitment to continuous improvement, emphasizing their ability to adapt to in-game situations.

The former superfan-turned-analyst, Connor Stalions, allegedly purchased tickets to over 30 college football games, including those featuring future Michigan opponents. Stalions would film the sidelines and analyze the calls made by the opposing teams. These actions took place during a successful stretch for the Wolverines, securing three straight Big Ten championships and victories over their arch-rival Ohio State.

This year, Michigan has had its most successful season yet, winning all 14 games and boasting the nation's top scoring defense. As rumors swirl about potential punishment from the NCAA, Harbaugh declined to engage in speculation, emphasizing the team's focus on their achievements and hard work.

With the national title game just days away, the Wolverines are determined to prove themselves on the field and put the sign-stealing controversy behind them.