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Is Michigan football’s 2020 regular season suddenly over? It seems that could be the case, according to one prominent beat reporter/insider in Ann Arbor.
The Wolverines stumbled to a 2-4 start in the COVID-19 shortened season, and the upcoming matchup vs. Maryland had long been ESPN FPI’s best chance to get another win in Big Ten Conference play. However, with the team moving to virtual Monday and Tuesday, canceling in-person activities after some presumptive positive tests, it appears that the game against the Terrapins as well as the regular season finale at Ohio State are in serious jeopardy.
And per The Wolverine, Rivals’ Michigan imprint, it appears that the chances of the next two games happening are slimming at this point.
Sources: Michigan football's situation has not gotten better on the COVID front. At this point, we'd bet heavily against games this week or next.
— Chris Balas (@Balas_Wolverine) December 2, 2020
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At the moment, it’s not a sure thing that the team will cancel this week or next or hold it as planned. However, as the team remains off the practice field, there’s a stronger likelihood that this week’s game could end up being a no contest.
While Michigan football is in no way in the running for potential postseason accolades given the record, should the Wolverines not take the field next week, it could cost rival Ohio State an opportunity to play for a Big Ten championship and a College Football Playoff berth. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit speculated on Tuesday evening that the maize and blue could sit out The Game in order to not be embarrassed by the Buckeyes and cost them a potential championship, however, after a firestorm from fans and media, he since apologized for baselessly speculating.
Regardless, Michigan was one program that had long avoided having many positives within the football program, while others had struggled to see the field. This was despite Washtenaw County being something of a hotspot in-state. Now, it appears that there’s the possibility that it’s hit the Wolverines here at the end of the season.
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