To the surprise of no one, the Big Ten decided on Wednesday to change its policy in the COVID-19 impacted season when it came to a school being eligible for the conference championship game on Dec. 19.
And because of the adjustment, Ohio State will face Northwestern despite playing — and winning — only five games in 2020.
Per the Big Ten:
The Big Ten Conference Administrators Council, which includes the Directors of Athletics and Senior Women Administrators from all 14 member institutions, voted today to eliminate the minimum-game requirement for participation in the 2020 Big Ten Football Championship Game. The decision was made in collaboration with the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors and the conference office.
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.
As a result of the decision, Ohio State will represent the East Division in the 2020 Big Ten Football Championship game against Northwestern.
In collaboration with #B1G COP/C & Conference office, ADs & SWAs ✅ vote to eliminate game requirement in 2020 #B1GFCG.@NUFBFamily vs. @OhioStateFB in #B1GFCG 🏆
Decision based on competitive analysis regardless of 🏈 Ws or Ls this weekend.➡️FACTS: https://t.co/Ixtoz9rpTZ pic.twitter.com/P5QMlEHyOv
— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) December 9, 2020
The Buckeyes’ place in the postseason became a question on Tuesday when Michigan canceled its regular-season rivalry game because of COVID-19 issues within the Wolverines program. It was the third canceled game for Ohio State this season, after others against Illinois and Maryland.