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Amid Michigan Controversy, Dave Portnoy Takes a Jab at Ohio State “Opening the Colts’ Playbook” Post 2014 AFC Rout

Published 11/07/2023, 1:28 PM EST

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The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is one of the most intense in college football on American soil. With the Michigan Wolverines presently mired in controversy, Dave Portnoy defended his alma mater once more. The two 9-0 sides will lock horns on the final day of the regular season the weekend after Black Friday.

Dave Portnoy took aim at the Buckeyes for allegedly copying the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts had a bitter taste in their mouths following a 45-7 hammering at the hands of the New England Patriots in the 2014 AFC Championship. Another famous Michigan alum, Tom Brady, threw three touchdowns that night. Bill Belichick’s team lined up with an unconventional formation that caught the Colts cold. They then accused the Patriots of cheating.

Buckeyes copying the Colts following a hiding from the Patriots in 2014

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Dave Portnoy accused the Buckeyes of taking a leaf out of the Colts’ playbook following that heavy loss in January 2015. He took to his X handle to vent within a word limit. Portnoy replied to a thread about the Colts’ loss to the Patriots with the words, “Ohio State opening the Colts playbook. Hate to see it.”

With the Wolverines accused of stealing opposing teams’ signs, among other things, new information has emerged. A Michigan fan page linked Ohio State coach Ryan Day with two private investigators. One of them is reportedly his brother, Tim. It is believed by the Michigan faithful that this pair is responsible for the investigation into Michigan. They also maintain the same duo is behind the leaks that keep the story going in the news. Despite all that, Dave Portnoy held fast to his position on the matter.

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Dave Portnoy, a Michigan man, holds firm

Dave Portnoy continues to defend his alma mater through thick and thin. The University of Michigan parted ways with Connor Stalions, a recruiting analyst. They also suspended coach Jim Harbaugh for the first three games of the regular season. Harbaugh has denied any wrongdoing on his part while Stalions refused to cooperate with any investigators. For the latter’s gesture, Portnoy hailed the former Marine and called him an American hero.

Amid NCAA’s Investigation Into Michigan for Alleged Sign-Stealing, Alum Dave Portnoy Stands Firm

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It remains to be seen if the matter is resolved quickly. According to the Daily Mail, the investigation might run past the final game of the season. It is unclear just how many casualties the NCAA investigation claims. So far, the Wolverines have not let the off-field shenanigans impact their performances. Only time will tell if they can keep it up and, as Portnoy predicted, give the Buckeyes a pasting.

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Written by:

Anirudh Haridas

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Anirudh Haridas is a US Sports writer at EssentiallySports. A staunch sports fan, Anirudh brings his experience as a Soccer content writer. A diehard fan of ice hockey, Anirudh delved into the US sports arena, driven by the phenomenal pace of the sport.
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Edited by:

Shifa Jahan