Indiana issues update on status of football program as rescheduled Old Oaken Bucket game looms

Indiana and Purdue fans received some interesting news Sunday when the Big Ten announced that the in-state rivals are scheduled to play on Friday as part of the Champions Week games the conference is having this year.

While that is nice in theory since their scheduled matchup was cancelled due to COVID-19 precautions, there are some doubts whether this game will actually be played. That comes as the Hoosiers have paused all football activities due to COVID-19 protocols.

As the Bucket game goes back on the schedule, an update from IU via team spokesman Jeff Keag. Hoosiers are still paused:

“All team-related activities remain paused and we continue to work with our Medical Advisory Group as to when we can return.” #iufb

— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) December 13, 2020

The two teams were scheduled to meet the first weekend in December but agreed to cancel the game due to COVID concerns. Indiana currently sits in the top 10 as the Hoosiers are having a historic season. Purdue, meanwhile, is 2-4 and really struggling after a strong start.

Purdue has also paused team activities, adding more doubt to this game actually being played. This is one of the conference’s longest running rivalries as these two teams play nearly every year for the Old Oaken Bucket. That tradition dates back to 1925.

This is one of seven scheduled games and one of two rivalry games that are getting a second chance. Minnesota and Wisconsin are scheduled to play Saturday after their first matchup was cancelled due to a COVID outbreak in the Gopher program.