Big Ten Expected to Change Six-Game Rule Allowing Ohio State to Qualify for Conference Title Game
By: Matthew Zimmer
(UPDATE: 1:15 p.m.): It’s decided, the Big Ten eliminated the rule.
And official. https://t.co/hvHxynduOM
— 750 The Game (@750TheGame) December 9, 2020
The Big Ten’s release:
In collaboration with #B1G COP/C & Conference office, ADs & SWAs ✅ vote to eliminate game requirement in 2020 #B1GFCG.@NUFBFamily vs. @OhioStateFB in #B1GFCG 🏆
Decision based on competitive analysis regardless of 🏈 Ws or Ls this weekend.➡️FACTS: https://t.co/Ixtoz9rpTZ pic.twitter.com/P5QMlEHyOv
— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) December 9, 2020
(ORIGINAL 11:11 a.m.): The Big Ten is expected to get rid of the rule requiring teams play six games to qualify for the conference championship game paving the way for Ohio State to play in the game, according to ESPN’s Heather Dinich and Adam Rittenburg.
Even if @OhioStateFB found an opponent and played a sixth game, the Buckeyes would still win the East – win or lose. Still needs official approval, but the support is there at the AD level. https://t.co/S3xVmLv49C
— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) December 9, 2020
The Buckeyes could still find an opponent — Oregon v. Ohio State anyone? — to play a sixth game, but if the conference eliminates the six-game rule, they won’t need to scramble for a game.
Also, as mentioned by Dinich on Tuesday, Ohio State could play Indiana if Purdue cancels. Well, that just happened.
NEWS: Purdue and Indiana have mutually agreed to cancel Saturday’s scheduled football game at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington due to rising COVID-19 numbers at both schools.
— Nicole Auerbach 😷 (@NicoleAuerbach) December 9, 2020
So, what I’m getting at is simple. Ohio State has options. Big Ten eliminates the rule, don’t play at all. Play Indiana again. Play Oregon.
