Ohio State at Illinois canceled, Buckeyes in jeopardy of missing Big Ten Championship
Just hours after announcing that second-year Ohio State head coach Ryan Day had tested positive for COVID-19, the school announced that their matchup with Illinois has been canceled.
This is significant for the Buckeyes as they must play in six games to be eligible for the Big Ten Championship Game. Earlier this season, the Ohio State-Maryland game was canceled and there are no available dates to make up games due to the compact schedule.
Currently, No. 4 Ohio State is 4-0 and has games remaining against Michigan State (12-5-2020) and Michigan (12-12-2020). If either of those games is not played, the Buckeyes will not make an appearance in their conference championship, and it could threaten their CFB Playoff hopes.
Our very own Lawton Swann said at the time of the Maryland cancelation:
(Audio is attached above)
“They (Ohio State) have to play six games to be eligible to play in the Big Ten Championship. Just check the numbers, this is a math thing with COVID-19. If between now and December 12 they have to skip another game, the most games they can play is six.
“Jim Harbaugh is a ‘whack-a-do’ guy, he drinks milk with his steaks. If you were in his situation and you had not beaten Ohio State, not a person can convince me that if Ohio State has another game canceled, that Harbaugh would be gifting them a berth in the Big Ten Championship and legitimacy in the evaluation of the College Football Playoff. The bigger win for you in the minds-eye of the Michigan fans is NOT to step on the gridiron against Ohio State. It is to do everything in your power NOT to play that game against Ohio State.”
That situation could now become a reality with today’s news.
Per a news release from Ohio State:
The Department of Athletics has paused all team-related football activities. The decision to cancel and pause was made jointly by Director of Athletics Gene Smith, University President Kristina M. Johnson, head team physician Dr. Jim Borchers and in consultation with the Big Ten Conference.
“We have continued to experience an increase in positive tests over the course of this week,” Smith said. “The health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes is our main concern, and our decisions on their welfare will continue to be guided by our medical staff.”
The program will resume its team activities when its medical staff determines it is safe to do so based on protocols established by the Big Ten Conference.
According to our Dan Hope of ElevenWarriors.com, the Buckeyes had experienced an “increased number of positive tests” this week.
Asked whether the decision to cancel the game was a voluntary decision by Ohio State or because the program had reached the Big Ten's thresholds forcing a cancellation, an Ohio State spokesperson said he could only say the game was canceled.
Day was obviously going to miss the game against Illinois tomorrow but will also be out if the Buckeyes can return to action against Michigan State next week per the 10 day isolation period. Coach Day will be allowed to return to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Dec. 7, the Monday before the Michigan game.