Michigan's Saturday game with Ohio State has officially been canceled. Sources told TheWolverine.com it's been trending that way for days despite the team returning to action for "light practice" Monday.
From a U-M release:
"An increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases and student-athletes in quarantine over the past week will result in the cancellation of Saturday’s scheduled game at Ohio State. This decision was made after conversations with medical experts, health department officials and university administration.
“The number of positive tests has continued to trend in an upward direction over the last seven days,” 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.”
Per the release, Michigan will continue daily testing with hopes of getting back on the practice field when cleared by medical professionals. The Big Ten will hold its Championship Week of games on Dec. 18-19.
Michigan’s athletic department reported 15 positive COVID-19 tests last week, including 14 from student-athletes and one from a staff member. Big Ten protocols released in September said a football team must stop all practice and game activity if COVID-19 test positivity rates exceed five percent of the team and 7.5 percent of all players, coaches and all staff members.
Michigan and Ohio State have played every years since 1918. The Wolverines lead the all-time series 58-51-6.
Watch for more on this development in the hours and days to come.
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