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The No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide are scheduled to play the Ohio State Buckeyes in the national championship game on Monday night.
Ohio State is battling a COVID-19 outbreak and reached out to the SEC about potentially moving the game to the following Monday. However, the SEC rejected Ohio State’s request, and the game is still planned for Monday, Jan. 11.
According to Dan Patrick of the Dan Patrick Show, Ohio State is scheduled for another round of COVID-19 tests on Friday and “currently have upwards of 20 positive tests.”
Update on #CFBPlayoffs National Title
-The #BigTen / #OhioState reached out to the #SEC about postponing the National title game, they were told no.
–#Buckeyes will test today. May currently have upwards of 20 positive tests.
-Jaylen Waddle is expected to play Monday #RollTide pic.twitter.com/Q80tBy2QAe
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) January 8, 2021
This will certainly be a situation to monitor throughout the weekend.
Patrick offered another notable piece of news on Friday when he said star Alabama receiver Jaylen Waddle was expected to play on Monday.
Waddle returned to practice this week after fracturing his ankle in October.
The return of Waddle would be another boost for the nation’s top offense. Waddle’s fellow receiver, DeVonta Smith, is the most decorated player in college football, while quarterback Mac Jones and running back Najee Harris were selected as players of the year at their respective positions.
Alabama is a 7.5-point favorite, according to BetMGM.com.
Ohio State vs Alabama: College Football Playoff National Championship Prediction, Game Preview