Michigan has canceled its game against Maryland this week, it was announced on Wednesday, after the Wolverines virtualized all football activities earlier this week, leading to an increase in Covid-19 cases within the program.
The decision to cancel the game as well as the break practices was made in consultation with medical professionals, who will ultimately decide when the transaction will begin.
Michigan will be able to return to practice area on Monday as soon as possible.
“The decision by our medical professionals to stop and cancel Saturday’s game practice against Maryland has been taken as our priority with the health, safety and welfare of student-athletes, coaches and staff,” Michigan Athletic Director Verde Manuel said in a news release. Release. “We have seen an increase in the number of student-athletes available for competition due to our recent antigen and PCR test results, positive tests and associated contact tracing.”
The game against Maryland was Michigan’s last scheduled home game. With losses in all three home games played this season, this is the first time in program history that Michigan has not won at least one home game.
The Wolverines are 2-4 in season and in Columbus, Ohio State is left on schedule. With the game canceled, there is no guarantee that Michigan and Ohio will play in the annual rivalry game.
If the game is also canceled next week, it will put Ohio State under a minimum of six games to participate in the conference championship game required by the Big Ten. The exception is that if the average number of games played by each team within the conference falls below six, the bookies will qualify.
Any change in policy or division tiebreakers must be produced by 14 athletic directors who must eventually agree to the changes.
Maryland is still practicing this week and is now preparing for its game against the Rutgers on December 12th.
Adam Rattenberg of ESPN contributed to this report.
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