The Big Ten drops its six-game minimum, and Ohio State plays for the title
On December 9, 2020, the Big Ten voted to drop its requirement that football teams play six games to reach its championship game. Its statement said Ohio State would have advanced to the championship game on its record.
Ryan Day, Ohio State head coach
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.
Associated Press, via FOX 32 Chicago
Day by day
- Dec 9, 2020WOSU wrote that the conference would scrap a six-game minimum for its championship game.
- Same dayOhio State’s coach said he was thankful his players would get to play in Indianapolis.
- Same dayIndiana’s athletic director said the school was disappointed.
Each day, as a table
| Date | Who | Days after the vote |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 9 | CBS News; WOSU Public Media; Big Ten Conference; Scott Dolson | 0 |
The day
The Big Ten has voted to eliminate the requirement that football teams must play six games to be eligible for its 2020 conference championship game, the conference announced Wednesday.
Big Ten Conference
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
Ohio State only played five games during this pandemic-shortened season.
The conference announced it would scrap a six-game minimum requirement for teams to be eligible to play for the league championship.
Reaction
Is disappointed by the change
Scott Dolson, Indiana athletic director
Although we understand the conference’s decision, we are disappointed
Associated Press, via FOX 32 Chicago
Related
The 2020 season in the pandemic
- Aug 11, 2020The Big Ten postpones fall football, then restores it
- Aug 11, 2020The Pac-12 postpones football, then votes to play
- Aug 21, 2020The NCAA’s extra year of eligibility for fall athletes
- Nov 7, 2020Notre Dame 47, Clemson 40
- The Big Ten drops its six-game ruleThis page
- Same coach: Ryan Day’s coaching record
- More: All of History
- Same quotes, as a list
Sources
News and releases
FOX 32 Chicago, Dec 9, 2020“Big Ten audible: Ohio State will play for title vs Wildcats”
CBS News, Dec 9, 2020“Big Ten votes to eliminate six-game minimum requirement, allowing Ohio State to advance to the championship”
- WOSU Public Media, Dec 9, 2020
“Big Ten Changes Rules So Ohio State Can Play In Championship”
Sports Illustrated, Dec 9, 2020“Big Ten Amends Rules, Allows Ohio State in Conference Championship”
The Big Ten’s statement, as quoted by Sports Illustrated