The 2020 installment of the Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry has been called off due to COVID-19, per multiple reports.
Michigan-Ohio State game canceled due to COVID.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 8, 2020
"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.” pic.twitter.com/IHXOD6lXyj
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) December 8, 2020
“The number of positive tests has continued to trend in an upward direction over the last seven days,” said Warde Manuel, U-M’s Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics. “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.”
This is a big loss for NFL Draft fans, who were gearing up to watch several first-round prospects square off.
Led by Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, this matchup would’ve featured as many as six potential first-rounders. It’s become an unfortunate reality for a football season marred by the novel coronavirus. And while fans certainly would’ve enjoyed another chapter in this historic rivalry, we should feel fortunate to have any games — at all — right now.