A rival of the Wisconsin Badgers received a massive penalty in response to the sign stealing scandal that captivated college football audiences.
The Michigan Wolverines and head coach Sherrone Moore have officially received punishments from the NCAA, which will conclude the sign stealing saga. Previously, Michigan self-imposed penalties that included a two game suspension of Moore in an effort to get out ahead of the NCAA and reduce the potential impact of the incoming ruling. However, the NCAA added an additional game to the suspension of Moore along with a stiff penalty north of $20-million that will be taken out of postseason revenue across the next two seasons.
Much like the penalties the Wisconsin Badgers received for making contact during a dead period, the stiff fine of the Wolverines and the lenient suspension is indicative of changes in rulings. The NCAA has opted to limit schools rather than impose full-stop bans and year-long suspensions that could seriously damage a program when handed down at the right time.
Michigan Coach Sherrone Moore Receives Suspension, Will Coach Against Wisconsin Badgers
With the suspension news now official, Moore will miss three games and the Wolverines will need to switch to an emergency coach for the time being. In May, Michigan officially self-imposed a suspension on Moore for games against Central Michigan and Nebraska in an effort to avoid a harsh punishment. However, the NCAA suggested and ruled that an additional game should be added, bringing the total up to three games.
The exact game that Moore would be suspended is unknown at this time but likely will come against New Mexico to kickoff the season. Michigan could opt to suspend Moore for the game against the Badgers, but going two conference games without a head coach seems like something the program would want to avoid. Michigan could also appeal the suspension of Moore and seek to have the third game dismissed, which would be the best-case scenario for the program.
For the Wisconsin Badgers, the suspension and fines do not necessarily directly impact the team on the field but could alter the upcoming game between both teams. Moore is scheduled to return against Wisconsin when the Badgers travel to Ann Arbor for a clash between both sides. If there was ever something that would motivate a team and a student’s section, returning from a controversial suspension would be right up there.
Wisconsin will likely face the most aggressive and fired-up Michigan Wolverines team that any opponent will see during the 2025 season. The Badgers already needed to bring the best version of themselves, but now certainly need to come prepared in order to walk away with a win.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter (X) @JarrettGuerrera, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on all things Wisconsin sports, click here
