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So much for that.
The Big Ten announced on Sunday that Michigan football would take on Iowa in champions week, and while it looked like the Wolverines would be able to give it a go, it turns out, not so much.
The maize and blue have had COVID-19 issues stemming from Thanksgiving, and had to cancel both the Maryland and Ohio State games. While it had appeared that the Wolverines would be able to give it a go against the Hawkeyes, as they returned to practice on Sunday and Monday and had media availability Monday and Tuesday, shortly after the culmination of Tuesday’s player press conference, it appears that the program is making an about-face. According to multiple reports, the game has been canceled.
Sources: Michigan's game at Iowa on Saturday has been cancelled. Michigan still has lingering COVID-19 issues. Michigan's season is over.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 15, 2020
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Without the ninth-scheduled game, Michigan finishes the season at 2-4, with wins over just Minnesota and Rutgers.
The Wolverines will turn their attention to early signing day, which takes place on Wednesday.
Release from Michigan football
The University of Michigan Athletic Department announced Wednesday (Dec. 15) that the football program is canceling its game at Iowa on Saturday as part of the Big Ten’s Championship Week. The decision was made after conversations with medical experts, health advisors, and university administration.
“In accordance with the Big Ten COVID-19 medical policies and health guidelines, we are without a significant number of players for this week’s game,” said Warde Manuel, the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics. “Couple that with the normal attrition due to injury, and we do not have enough available players at multiple position groups to field a team at Iowa. We have more student-athletes out this week compared to last week and the week prior.
“The number of positive tests over the past three weeks, which require a 21-day unavailability period, and the contact tracing requirements associated with those numbers has pushed our current list of unavailable student-athletes to over 50. This is a very unfortunate situation and we are disappointed that our program will not be able to finish the season against the Hawkeyes.”
“I am very proud of the way that our players worked to try and get back onto the field but the numbers simply don’t support us taking the field on Saturday. This has been a very challenging and difficult 2020 for everyone and we want to make sure we are doing what is right for our student-athletes at every step along the way, and that ultimately is ensuring their health, safety and welfare.”
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