It's looking increasingly likely that The Game will be played after all.
Last week, the Ohio State vs. Michigan game seemed to be in serious jeopardy after COVID-19 issues caused Michigan to pause all in-person team activities and cancel last week's game against Illinois.
But as of Monday, there was a growing sense of optimism out of Ann Arbor as Michigan was set to begin limited workouts on Monday and is preparing as if this week's game against Ohio State will happen.
Sources: Lot of optimism out of Michigan today. They are preparing to practice, which is a good sign for playing the Ohio State game.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 7, 2020
The plan right now, I've been told, is for Michigan to practice today and tomorrow. Team should be meeting about now. I'm not sure it's a "sign" they will play -- It's a sign they're TRYING to play Am not ready to make that leap yet that The Game is gonna happen
— angelique (@chengelis) December 7, 2020
I've been told that Michigan is preparing as if the OSU game will happen. Still no word on a return to practice, but expecting to hear something shortly. Doubtful that we'll get a definitive answer on the OSU game today, but it'll be a positive sign if team activities can resume.
— Austin Meek (@byAustinMeek) December 7, 2020
SOURCE: #Michigan is expected to take a first step towards returning to play later today; Wolverines are planning on being back on the field this afternoon but am told, it will not be a typical practice, and they are not out of the woods yet."
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 7, 2020
#Michigan confirms its medical staff has cleared the team to "begin limited workouts."
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 7, 2020
This is a similar position Ohio State found itself in last Monday when the Buckeyes started their return to team activities with limited workouts on Monday before returning to full practice on Tuesday.
In another sign that Michigan is moving toward being able to play this weekend, Jim Harbaugh and Michigan players will meet with the media on Tuesday afternoon.
Jim Harbaugh will meet with the media at noon on Tuesday, followed by #Michigan players. Another step closer to playing Ohio State this weekend.
— Aaron McMann (@AaronMcMann) December 8, 2020
So far this season, Ohio State is the only Big Ten team to pause team activities due to positive COVID-19 tests and only cancel one game as the Buckeyes canceled their game against Illinois but were back against Michigan State last week. If Michigan is able to play Ohio State, it would become the second.
If The Game is canceled, it would mark the first year Ohio State and Michigan did not meet on the football field since the 1917 season – before the Buckeyes had even won a game in the series.
A canceled game would drop the Buckeyes' total number of regular-season contests below the required six to qualify for the Big Ten championship game, unless Ohio State is able to schedule a replacement game in its place.
Last month, the Big Ten approved a process for conference teams to schedule a new game against another Big Ten team if both of their games are canceled by their opponent due to COVID-19 issues in the same week, provided that those two teams aren't dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks themselves and that the new game can be scheduled by Wednesday of that week.
