Ohio State got the approval from the Big Ten conference to play for a title on Dec. 19 against Northwestern. Despite playing five games, under the Big Ten’s minimum games threshold, the Buckeyes will prepare for the Northwestern Wildcats.
With some time off to prepare this week considering Ohio State’s game against Michigan was canceled due to COVID-19, head coach Ryan Day has extra time to focus on the Wildcats. Northwestern’s only loss of the season was to Michigan State but they managed to make their second Big Ten championship game in three years, meaning they are not to be trifled with.
Day addressed the challenge of playing Northwestern for the conference title when he joined Saturday’s edition of Big Noon Kickoff.
“They're very well coached,” Day said. “Fitz has always done a great job with that. They know their defense. They know how you're trying to attack them. They don't give up a lot of big plays. It's very hard to run the ball on them. They keep everything in front of them. They force you to work down the field. I think on offense, Peyton Ramsey's given them a shot in the arm. They control the football, they're smart, they don't turn it over. When you do that, you have to be on your game. They're not going to give you anything, you have to earn it. It's going to be a challenge that way.”
Earlier this week, Day released a statement regarding the Big Ten’s decision to grant Ohio State the spot in the conference title game as the representative of the east division.
“On behalf of Ohio State University, the players, all those associated with the football program and our fans, I am appreciative of our Big Ten Conference colleagues for reconsidering the six-game requirement to qualify for the Big Ten championship game,” Day released in his statement. “A lot of changes have happened since that recommendation was put in place. I know making this decision was not easy, and I am thankful for the opportunity our players will now have to play in Indianapolis as an undefeated East Division champion.”
The league released the following statement regarding its decision to eliminate the minimum-game requirement:
“The Big Ten Conference Administrators Council, which includes the Directors of Athletics and Senior Women Administrators from all 14 member institutions, voted today to eliminate the minimum-game requirement for participation in the 2020 Big Ten Football Championship Game. The decision was made in collaboration with the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors and the conference office.
“The decision was based on a competitive analysis which determined that Ohio State would have advanced to the Big Ten Football Championship Game based on its undefeated record and head-to-head victory over Indiana regardless of a win or loss against Michigan.
“As a result of the decision, Ohio State will represent the East Division in the 2020 Big Ten Football Championship game against Northwestern.
“The conference continues to prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes and remains flexible and unified with is 14 member institutions and partners during these unprecedented times.”
No. 4 Ohio State (5-0) is scheduled to take on No. 14 Northwestern (5-1) in the Big Ten Championship game on Dec. 19 at 12 p.m. ET.
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December 13, 2020 at 12:46AM
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Ryan Day on Northwestern: 'It's going to be a challenge' - 247Sports
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