Michigan-No. 4 Ohio State Canceled Due to Rising COVID Cases in Wolverines Program
(ORIGINAL: 11:05 a.m.) The Michigan Wolverines are dealing with an increasing number of COVID-19 positive cases, and their game with No. 4 Ohio State is canceled.
CONFIRMED: Michigan vs. Ohio State Cancelled. pic.twitter.com/aXEtxAK3c3
— Chris Balas (@Balas_Wolverine) December 8, 2020
As disappointing as this news is for college football fans in general, this could be massive for the Buckeyes.
The Big Ten implemented a rule before they returned to play that teams must play six games to qualify for the conference championship game.
Ohio State has only played five games. Without a game this weekend, the Buckeyes would not be allowed to play, unless the conference decides to change its original decision.
Given the uncertainty of 2020, and the way things have changed willy-nilly all year, it seems like the Big Ten would be more than willing to change their rule.
ESPN’s Heather Dinich reported the Big Ten athletic directors are meeting on Wednesday. She assumes the ADs will discuss the rule, and the option of changing it.
Dinich also reported live on SportsCenter that Purdue put their practice on hold Tuesday to await COVID testing results.
If Purdue can’t play, that means Indiana would be without an opponent as well. So, theoretically, Ohio State and Indiana could play to allow the Buckeyes to get a sixth game. However, Purdue could still be ready to play.
And now, we wait.
(UPDATE: 1:25 p.m.) College football insider Brett McMurphy reports the conference will likely change the rule discussed in the original post.
If Michigan & B1G say they’re open to this conversation, more evidence 5-0 Ohio State will be in B1G title game https://t.co/rtSu8DnYWg
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 8, 2020