Thanks to an uptik of COVID-19 cases within the Michigan Wolverines program, the Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes will not face one another for the first time in over 100 years.
Shortly after the announcement was official, coach Jim Harbaugh and Atletic Director Warde Manuel held a virtual press conference to address the game’s cancellation, as well as discussing the future of Harbaugh in Ann Arbor.
“I don’t believe that anybody – Ohio State or any other team – should be punished by these decisions. …These are unprecedented times,” Manuel said. “We need to be flexible … I think Ohio State is one of the top four teams in the country.
“I’m going to work with my colleagues in the Big Ten and Commissioner Warren to help make the best decision for us (as a conference) moving forward.”
Manuel was asked about the potential possibility of playing the Buckeyes on December 19, to which he responded that it would be “great”:
“We will make any adjustments from my standpoint that we need to make. So, if that’s a possibility, we are flexible to make adjustments on our calendar and if we could play Ohio State the week of the 19th, from my perspective, that would be great.
“We will play whoever is going to be scheduled for us. And I just want to make it clear. I think Ohio State is one of the top four teams in this country and deserves the opportunity to be in the conversation … they would be a great representative to the College Football Playoff if they are chosen.”
As far as coach Harbaugh’s future in Ann Arbor, Manuel reiterated that he won’t get into the extension rumors, and will be discussing the situation with Harbaugh at the end of the season.
Manuel “we will meet at the end of the year to discuss the program” says he won’t get into contract extension rumors
— angelique (@chengelis) December 8, 2020
– – Quotes via Brendan Gulik of SI Link – –
