Urban Meyer evaluates how big an advantage Michigan gained with sign-stealing scandal

In the wake of the Michigan sign-stealing scandal, much has been made about the punishment and whether it is fitting. What makes the situation so unique, FOX Sports analyst Urban Meyer pointed out, is that it provided real, tangible benefits.

That’s a stark contrast to some other scandals that have been harshly punished by the NCAA. Meyer explained why the situation with Michigan was so different on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on Thursday afternoon.

“Very rarely do you, like, someone brought up the Reggie Bush thing,” Meyer said. “Did that give USC a competitive advantage on the field? They brought up Jim Tressel‘s situation. Did that give them a competitive advantage on the field?

“No. Of course not. Guys were trading in memorabilia for tattoos. The thing that this is, and I’ve heard people say, ‘Oh c’mon, what’s the big deal?’ If it wasn’t a big deal, why would they risk their reputation or careers and $30 million fine for the university or for the Wolverines?”

Of course, neither Connor Stalions nor Michigan knew what the punishment might be when he engaged in the activity. Still, it was a known no-no.

Meyer explained that when you’re collecting signs from opposing teams, you’re gaining critical information that can grant your team a massive edge. So how big a deal was it for Michigan?

“I’ll answer that question. It’s a huge deal,” Meyer said. “If the defensive players know run or pass — the amount of time, I would probably say at least 30 or 40 hours per week the defensive players are trying to figure out from the stances of the offensive linemen, from the weight on their fingertips, just figuring out from the stance of the receivers, is it run or pass?”

Save that time, spend it on other areas. But more importantly, you get a huge leg up on actually stopping your opponent on the field.

It can swing games. Advantage for Michigan?

“Is it that much of an advantage? I can’t over-emphasize: of course it is,” Meyer said. “You have 50- to 55-year-old men sitting in meeting rooms forever trying to find some kind of tip to give to their players. It’s just that simple if it’s a run or a pass. Now if you can know if it’s a right or a left that’s a whole ‘nother animal. So any advantage that’s gotten illegally, that’s a major deal.”