We shared with you recently some of the changes you can expect when Ohio State opens up their football season this Saturday against Nebraska. From only coaches and players families in the stands to mandatory masks to no TBDBITL, it’s all going to look very different than what we’re accustomed to.
One of the most noticeable differences will be the absence of 100,000 plus fans cheering on the Buckeyes. Cardboard cutouts and artificial noise murmur will replace living, breathing human beings.
The Big Ten has decided that even though each state has different protocols for large gatherings, in order to keep consistency, all conference games will be played with the same empty stadiums. The Big Ten is even providing the canned crowd noise and set the max decibel level so that all will be on an even playing field.
However, there is hope on the horizon. Ohio State Athletic Director, Gene Smith, said that the Big Ten will re-evaluate on a week-by-week basis on a decision to allow fans in the stands and to what capacity. It does sound like the conference is at least willing to listen to what the numbers say about COVID cases and adjust accordingly if numbers would trend toward a steady decline.
Gene Smith says the Big Ten will re-evaluate its decision not to allow fans at games on a weekly basis and TBDBITL would be the next priority if stadium restrictions loosen. https://t.co/g23zD6dkHi
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) October 19, 2020
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The conference does seem steadfast in keeping the playing field even during this pandemic, which means there would need to be significant drops in positive COVID-19 rates across 11 different states that make up the Big Ten. For example, if Ohio sees a nosedive in cases, but Illinois sees a spike, attendance protocols will most likely stay the same.
We’re hopeful to see fans back in attendance as the season progresses. Although, let’s be honest… a night game at Penn State without the whiteout crowd does play to the Buckeye’s favor. Either way, even though it might look a little different, Ohio State football is back and we couldn’t be more excited!
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