Big Ten to change rules to guarantee Ohio State makes Big Ten Championship Game
The Big Ten is likely to change the rules in an effort to get Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game and ensure a trip to the College Football Playoff.
The Big Ten has botched their COVID response since the jump and Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren has been the subject of great controversy. That could be heated up if the Big Ten changes their minimum games rule requirement in order to compete in the Big Ten Championship Game.
With Ohio State already having two games canceled and next week’s game with Michigan in jeopardy due to a virus outbreak that canceled the Wolverines’ game this weekend, the conference is attempting to change the rule.
Big Ten likely to change the rules to benefit Ohio State
Some flexibility is key and it could lead to the Buckeyes being guaranteed a spot in the College Football Playoff as well as the Big Ten Championship Game.
According to Stadium’s Brett McMurphy, conference athletic directors are likely to change the requirements to allow a 5-0 Ohio State in the title game, which would pave their path to the playoff should they beat Northwestern in that game.
B1G ADs will likely change B1G title game requirements to allow 5-0 Ohio State in title game if it can’t play 6th league game, sources told @Stadium. But it won’t be an easy decision, source said. A win in B1G title game would all but guarantee Buckeyes a spot in @CFBPlayoff
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 5, 2020
A move would have only been triggered with a flood of cancelations, but this is clearly being done to placate Ohio State, but that’s not a bad thing. The Buckeyes have a team ranked at No. 4 in the playoff rankings and a trip would net the conference a significant financial windfall. In this economy that’s been ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic and fans not filling stadiums, revenue is greatly needed.
The SEC and ACC won’t like this move because it means Alabama, Notre Dame and/or Clemson will likely have to play Ohio State in the playoff, but it’s the right move.
It also likely puts an end to any potential that Cincinnati makes the playoff or two teams from the ACC or SEC make it.
So even if Michigan and Ohio State can’t play next weekend, as long as Ohio State beats Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship Game, they should be in the playoff with a 6-0 record.
50 best college football teams of all time. dark. Next
For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.