Report: 'The Game' likely to be moved from last game of the season
The Michigan-Ohio State game has long been considered one of the top rivalries in college football. For decades, that matchup has marked the final game of the regular season for both programs — a great way to conclude any year on the gridiron.
But “The Game’s” spot at the end of the college football calendar may be in jeopardy, according to a report from Bill Rabinowitz of The Columbus Dispatch. He says that, per his sources, this year’s matchup between the Buckeyes and Wolverines could be moved up a few weeks due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the B1G’s adjusted scheduling model.
It would mark the first time since 1942 that Ohio State and Michigan didn’t play in the final week of the regular season.
From the Columbus Dispatch:
A B1G source told The Dispatch that the game against Michigan will probably be played earlier in the season as a hedge against the COVID-19 pandemic causing a cancellation in late November.
If the game is scheduled in September or October and the coronavirus situation forces a postponement, it could then played at a later date.
Rabinowitz made it clear that no final decision has been made at this time. And while there was speculation that the revised, conference-only schedule for B1G football could be released on Friday, a recent letter from commissioner Kevin Warren indicates that it could be next week under the league releases a schedule.
It’s been rumored that the B1G is looking to move division games to earlier in the schedule in an effort to declare division winners, should there be any issues with delays or cancellations due to the pandemic. There has been no confirmation on that idea from the league.
Ohio State and Michigan have met on the gridiron 116 times, with the Wolverines owning a 58-51-6 lead in the all-time series. However, it’s been the Buckeyes that have dominated “The Game” recently. Ohio State has won the last eight matchups, and has won 15 of the last 16 games.