The University of Michigan announced Tuesday that they have canceled their annual rivalry football game against Ohio State this weekend after more COVID-19 cases.
The University of Michigan Athletic Department said that 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. U-M said the decision was made after conversations with medical experts, health department officials and university administration.
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“The number of positive tests has continued to trend in an upward direction over the last seven days,” said Warde Manuel, U-M’s Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics. “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.”
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Michigan says it 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 has played six games this year and currently has a 2-4 record. The team canceled their game against Maryland last weekend. The last time Michigan and Ohio State didn’t play was 1917.
"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.” pic.twitter.com/IHXOD6lXyj
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) December 8, 2020