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Michigan and Ohio State Cancel 2020 Football Game

The Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes were planning to go head-to-head in Columbus on Saturday, but the game is off due to a coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the Michigan…

(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

The Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes were planning to go head-to-head in Columbus on Saturday, but the game is off due to a coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the Michigan program.

Here's the official statement from Michigan:

The University of Michigan Athletic Department announced Tuesday (Dec. 8) that an increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases and student-athletes in quarantine over the past week will result in the cancellation of Saturday’s scheduled game at Ohio State. This decision was made after conversations with medical experts, health department officials and university administration.

“The number of positive tests has continued to trend in an upward direction over the last seven days,” said Warde Manuel, U-M’s Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics. “We have not been cleared to participate in practice at this time. Unfortunately, we will not be able to field a team due to COVID-19 positives and the associated quarantining required of close contact individuals. This decision is disappointing for our team and coaches but their health and safety is paramount, and it will always come first in our decision-making.”

Michigan will continue daily testing with hopes of getting back on the practice field when cleared by medical professionals. The Big Ten will hold its Championship Week of games on Dec. 18-19.

This is a developing story.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.