JR kicks off by noting this episode dives into rivalry drama rather than pure football analysis, warning it's not for everyone but perfect for those who love juicy stories. He recaps the Michigan sign-stealing scandal involving Connor Stallions, who got an eight-year show cause from the NCAA. Recent penalties hit Michigan coaches, but new CBS News Detroit info revives the saga with sources alleging a student athlete lied about ex-coach Chris Partridge and recorded a call with Stallions without consent. This info allegedly went to a private investigation firm—rumored to be run by Ryan Day's brother in New Hampshire—which passed it to the NCAA, sparking the probe. JR explains Michigan fans' theory: the firm orchestrated it at Ryan Day's behest to undermine Michigan after losses. Key claims include unauthorized videos of staff computers and illegal evidence gathering. Fans point to Joey Velazquez, a former Michigan linebacker and baseball player who transferred to Ohio State as a walk-on, as the "rat." Velazquez, a childhood Buckeye fan and ex-OSU baseball commit, faces online harassment from Michigan supporters calling him a traitor. Rumors suggest OSU offered him money or perks to spy. JR discusses if this could lead to vacated wins or appeals, noting the NCAA might avoid admitting faulty evidence. He doubts major fallout for OSU, seeing it as fans' wishful thinking, and questions if Michigan pursues court action over "fruit of the poisonous tree." Overall, it's unconfirmed gossip, but entertaining Big Ten lore.

Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels:

@TheBigTenHuddleBasketball

@TheOhioStateHuddle

More from JR:

Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings

Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle

Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1

Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1

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Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time):

• Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack


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• Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff

You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics.

*All times are Eastern time

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The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience.

Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans.

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