Thank you Lane Kiffin for the warning

#1

Orange defense

Blood runneth orange in my veins
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#1
Lane Kiffin did not issue a general "warning" about Oklahoma to Tennessee. Instead, he made comments implying that
Oklahoma's defense is very good at deciphering opponents' sideline signals, a statement which led to Tennessee taking extra precautions ahead of their own game against the Sooners.
Kiffin's specific comments, made after his Ole Miss team beat Oklahoma, were:
  • He told Auburn coach Hugh Freeze after the Tigers' game against Oklahoma that Freeze "might want to switch his signals".
  • He noted that a middle safety for Oklahoma was "running down the field to steal slants" because "It looks like they have the plays," adding, "It's phenomenal prep. Film study of signals. I'll just tell you how it is, I think they do a great job of that".
These remarks were interpreted by media and the Tennessee program as a serious implication of sign-stealing, prompting the Volunteers to implement "extra precautions" regarding their signals for their upcoming game against Oklahoma. Kiffin's comments were part of a larger, ongoing war of words and jabs with Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables.

Whoa! This is something to look at, huh?
 
#3
#3
I’ve heard for many years about how Venables was one of the best at stealing signs in-game. After the Michigan scandal, I just don’t think that’s realistic. I’m pretty sure Venables is the Al Capone of sign stealing. We know he’s into some illegal activity, but it’s never going to be proven.

After Michigan’s national title, followed by a slap on the wrist: I’m sure the Venables, who has spent two years on the hot seat is wondering “who gives a **** if it’s cheating?”
 
#4
#4
I'm sure there could be something to it. This might be a dumb question, but now (not like the 2022 USC game) the OC can radio in the play via the helmet. Doesn't that prevent most of this from happening?
 
#6
#6
I’ve heard for many years about how Venables was one of the best at stealing signs in-game. After the Michigan scandal, I just don’t think that’s realistic. I’m pretty sure Venables is the Al Capone of sign stealing. We know he’s into some illegal activity, but it’s never going to be proven.

After Michigan’s national title, followed by a slap on the wrist: I’m sure the Venables, who has spent two years on the hot seat is wondering “who gives a **** if it’s cheating?”
He watches film and sideline signals. It’s legal and he is very good at it.
 
#8
#8
Not that I don't discount the idea of the Oklahoma staff being good at "sign stealing" or anything, but surely every SEC coaching staff has people assigned to assist with watching recorded footage and help recognize and call out signals during the games. Hell, if there was a program in this league that wasn't trying to decode their opponents signals, I'd be shocked.
 
#9
#9
I'm sure there could be something to it. This might be a dumb question, but now (not like the 2022 USC game) the OC can radio in the play via the helmet. Doesn't that prevent most of this from happening?
Good point! Seems like they couldn’t steal a signal from the helmet. Plus having QB audibles as a backup
 
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#10
#10
Kiffin is just an attention junkie. That mouth of his runs nonstop.

If nobody paid attention, he would probably dry up and blow away. I am sure he appreciates your preventative measures.
 
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#11
#11
Lane Kiffin did not issue a general "warning" about Oklahoma to Tennessee. Instead, he made comments implying that
Oklahoma's defense is very good at deciphering opponents' sideline signals, a statement which led to Tennessee taking extra precautions ahead of their own game against the Sooners.
Kiffin's specific comments, made after his Ole Miss team beat Oklahoma, were:
  • He told Auburn coach Hugh Freeze after the Tigers' game against Oklahoma that Freeze "might want to switch his signals".
  • He noted that a middle safety for Oklahoma was "running down the field to steal slants" because "It looks like they have the plays," adding, "It's phenomenal prep. Film study of signals. I'll just tell you how it is, I think they do a great job of that".
These remarks were interpreted by media and the Tennessee program as a serious implication of sign-stealing, prompting the Volunteers to implement "extra precautions" regarding their signals for their upcoming game against Oklahoma. Kiffin's comments were part of a larger, ongoing war of words and jabs with Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables.

Whoa! This is something to look at, huh?
So how would that work against us?

For each offensive play, we have 3 different offensive plays signalled simultaneously.
 
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#14
#14
Good point! Seems like they couldn’t steal a signal from the helmet. Plus having QB audibles as a backup
RF signals can be intercepted and deciphered with the right equipment and expertise. Maybe not legally, but big time college football might make it worth the investment in the proper technology.
 
#16
#16
One thing I noticed about Kiffin, even way back when he was our coach, is that he covers his mouth with his play chart so no one can read his lips. I see lots of coaches do this now, but I remember him doing it, and don’t recall Fulmer ever doing that. If a coach takes precaution, such as this and having three different signals being flashed on the sidelines, it’s for a reason. Wouldn’t surprise me if some coaches aren’t investing in code breaking like the Allies trying to break Enigma.
 
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#18
#18
I’ve heard for many years about how Venables was one of the best at stealing signs in-game. After the Michigan scandal, I just don’t think that’s realistic. I’m pretty sure Venables is the Al Capone of sign stealing. We know he’s into some illegal activity, but it’s never going to be proven.

After Michigan’s national title, followed by a slap on the wrist: I’m sure the Venables, who has spent two years on the hot seat is wondering “who gives a **** if it’s cheating?”

Sign steeling and deciphering opponents signals is not really against the rules explicitly.

If you notice that a linebacker pats his leg every time before blitzing and use that knowledge-would any of us jump up and down and say blasphemy?

The issue comes when there is organized and explicit intention to steal signals is the Stallions mess. Gaining tendencies or obvious "tells" from film such as my example above with the LB is simple common practice.

If you're dumb enough to not change your signals drastically each game and monitor your players for "tells"-that's on you dog.
 
#19
#19
Sign steeling and deciphering opponents signals is not really against the rules explicitly.

If you notice that a linebacker pats his leg every time before blitzing and use that knowledge-would any of us jump up and down and say blasphemy?

The issue comes when there is organized and explicit intention to steal signals is the Stallions mess. Gaining tendencies or obvious "tells" from film such as my example above with the LB is simple common practice.

If you're dumb enough to not change your signals drastically each game and monitor your players for "tells"-that's on you dog.
Blasphemy?

About concealing your plays: For sure. Not really sure how much effort is put into it though.
 
#24
#24
Kiffin also had them break the huddle right when the communication was cutoff, so Venables couldn’t make quick adjustments via the headset.
Venables is Slimy. Was at Clemson. If you are stealing signals you are cheating. Cut & Dried. Kudos to Kiffin for recognizing what Okie was up to AND telling the good guys. Venables is a borderline psycho.
 
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