The cancelation of Saturday’s scheduled game between 4th ranked Ohio State and Michigan leaves the Big Ten with a decision to make.
Earlier this season, the Big Ten denied Nebraska’s request to seek a non-conference opponent when COVID-19 issues ran through Wisconsin’s football program. If precedent wins, Ohio State (5-0) will fall short of the requisite six conference games necessary to participate in the Big Ten Championship game.
The Buckeyes could still be considered for the college football playoff, but it’s position among the nation’s best – without a conference title game appearance and win – will be heavily debated.
But let’s be clear: This isn’t about precedent. It’s about dollars. And Ohio State’s presence in the final-four is a win for each and every Big Ten member school.
Will the Big Ten change it’s rules to allow the Buckeyes a berth in the Big Ten title game?
Will the Big Ten toss precedent out the window and seek a non-conference opponent?
The answer is simple. The Big Ten will do whatever it feels affords Ohio State the greatest opportunity to participate in the college football playoff.