Michigan cancels Ohio State game due to COVID-19 concerns

Michigan has canceled its rivalry game against Ohio State due to COVID-19 issues plaguing the program, the school announced.

Between positive tests, contact tracing, and injuries, the Wolverines would have been without roughly 45 players had the game proceeded, reports The Athletic's Bruce Feldman.

"The number of positive tests has continued to trend in an upward direction over the last seven days," Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said. "We have not been cleared to participate in practice at this time. Unfortunately, we will not be able to field a team due to COVID-19 positives and the associated quarantining required of close contact individuals. This decision is disappointing for our team and coaches but their health and safety is paramount, and it will always come first in our decision-making."

The Buckeyes' eligibility to play in the Big Ten title game with only five results in 2020 is now uncertain. Previously, the conference laid out a six-game mandate to be eligible, but its athletic directors were reportedly working to amend the policy.

Ohio State could conceivably schedule a game with a new opponent to reach the six-game threshold.

The school was slotted fourth in each of the first two releases of the College Football Playoff rankings. The committee favored the Buckeyes over Texas A&M despite their limited schedule.

Michigan canceled last week's game against Maryland because of COVID-19 problems, but a spokesperson said Monday the Wolverines were cleared for limited workouts.

Ohio State has won 15 of its last 16 meetings with Michigan.