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B1G announces plan for title game if Ohio State or Northwestern unable to play
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The B1G has announced the plan for the conference’s championship game if either Northwestern or Ohio State can’t play on Saturday. Essentially, the league won’t have a title game if that’s the case.
On Sunday, the B1G revealed that, if either Ohio State or Northwestern are unable to participate in this weekend’s B1G Championship Game, it will be ruled a no contest. That essentially follows the rules that the conference has abided by all season long.
A new opponent would be sought for the team capable of playing, but no other games would be canceled or moved around in order to get a new game in. If either Ohio State or Northwestern was able to play a new opponent, it would not be considered the B1G Championship Game.
From the Big Ten, If either Ohio St or N'western cannot play in the championship, the game is a no contest. Big Ten would consider finding another opponent for the available team, but a) that would not be a champ game b) no other games would be canceled to provide an opponent.
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) December 13, 2020
Last week, the B1G changed around its rules to allow Ohio State the opportunity to play for the conference title. There was previously a six-game minimum requirement to participate in the B1G Championship Game, but the league amended that policy to allow the Buckeyes in after playing five games.
Ohio State is 5-0 this season and has had three games canceled this year. Northwestern enters the contest 6-1 and has dealt with just one cancellation.
Kickoff between Ohio State and Northwestern is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on FOX. It’s the second time the two teams have met in Indianapolis in the past three seasons.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB