Michigan releases statement on Ohio State cancelation: ‘This decision is disappointing’
By John Buhler
Warde Manuel spoke about Michigan football’s game vs. Ohio State football being canceled.
The Game has been canceled, and Big Ten country is beside itself. It may be a lost season for the 2-4 Michigan Wolverines, but the 5-0 Ohio State Buckeyes needed this game to avoid being left out of the Big Ten Championship game. Though there is a chance they could still get in, it would be truly awful if the Buckeyes cannot play enough games to make the College Football Playoff.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel released the following statement about why The Game was canceled.
"“The number of positive tests has continued to trend in an upward direction over the last seven days,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said. “We have not been cleared to participate in practice at this time. Unfortunately, we will not be able to field a team due to COVID-19 positives and the associated quarantining required of close contact individuals. This decision is disappointing for our team and coaches but their health and safety is paramount, and it will always come first in our decision-making.”"
Where do both Big Ten programs go from here?
For Michigan, the Wolverines may have one more competitive balance game at the end of the season next week. This is contingent on them getting their COVID outbreak under control. If they do not, the Wolverines will have gone 2-4 under head coach Jim Harbaugh in year six. He could be on the way out or may leave the post for a perceived better opportunity to lead an NFL team.
For Ohio State, the Big Ten may scramble to get them a sixth opponent to make the Buckeyes eligible for the conference title bout. What is more likely is the Big Ten will waive the six-game requirement and allow a five-win Buckeyes team to be crowned Big Ten East champs. If they get to 6-0 after Indianapolis, that may be enough to get them into the College Football Playoff.
Nobody is happy about The Game between Michigan and Ohio State getting canceled.
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