Michigan becomes latest Big Ten program to experience COVID-19 issues
Another Big Ten program is dealing with COVID-19 issues.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters Monday that his team experienced “an increased number of presumptive positives” for COVID-19, causing the program to pause team activities “out of an abundance of caution.” The university is awaiting confirmation of the results of those tests, Harbaugh said.
According to the Detroit News, Harbaugh declined to comment on the status of Michigan’s upcoming game against Maryland.
“This is day-to-day. When results come back, we'll monitor those results and as always continue to be very proactive,” Harbaugh said.
Michigan dropped to 2-4 on the year with a 27-17 loss to previously winless Penn State over the weekend. The Wolverines have three games remaining this season, starting with Saturday’s home game against Maryland. A trip to face rival Ohio State is scheduled to follow on Dec. 12 before a game against a to-be-determined Big Ten West opponent on Dec. 19.
Michigan has yet to have a game canceled due to COVID-19 in 2020. Currently, Minnesota and Ohio State are both dealing with virus issues. Minnesota already canceled its game against Northwestern while Ohio State is hoping to return to the field on Saturday against Michigan State.
Ohio State cannot afford to miss any more games if it wants to play in the Big Ten title game. The conference set a six-game minimum to be eligible for the championship, and Ohio State has already missed two games with two remaining before the title game is set to be played on Dec. 19.
Michigan’s presumptive positive cases add a new element to Ohio State’s situation as it aims to play for the Big Ten title.
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