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Big Ten could change title game eligibility rule
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Big Ten could change title game eligibility rule

Nightmares that have haunted fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes this fall came true when Saturday's game versus the rival Michigan Wolverines was canceled due to a COVID-19 outbreak impacting Michigan. 

It turns out Ohio State may have nothing to worry about heading into the second weekend of December. 

ESPN's Heather Dinich reports that Big Ten athletic directors scheduled to take part in a Wednesday meeting could discuss changing the eligibility rule that requires teams to finish a minimum of six contests this fall to compete in the Big Ten title game on Dec. 19. 

Ohio State remains No. 4 in the country and holds a perfect 5-0 record but has had three games canceled due to coronavirus-related issues. On two occasions, the schedule alterations were caused by virus problems affecting OSU opponents. 

"I think it's one of those things that was put into place early on, and decisions are made based on the information you have at the time, and things change, as we know," Ohio State coach Ryan Day said when addressing the six-game rule on Tuesday. "... I just think we have to take a hard look periodically at all of this stuff, and this is one of those situations. If we don't quite get the game we need to get in the championship game, I think that needs to be looked at hard, just like anybody else in the conference.

"There's no easy solution in times like this. I know those guys are going to come together and take a hard look at it and make sure it was the right decision."

The Indiana Hoosiers, who lost to Ohio State on Nov. 21, may find themselves idle this weekend if they can't play the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday as planned. Purdue reportedly canceled Tuesday's practice "to evaluate the results of recent COVID-19 testing." 

It's unknown if the Big Ten would allow Ohio State and Indiana to schedule a rematch on short notice. 

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