Butch Dill / Associated Press
The Big Ten reportedly defended the National College Football Playoff Championship, scheduled for Monday night, to be postponed for a week because of concerns about the number of players who may be inactive for the state of Ohio.
Dan Patrick reported on Thursday that the Buckeyes are “very close to the availability limit” because of the COVID-19 protocols as they prepare to face Alabama:
Patrick noted that there are specific concerns surrounding OSU’s defensive line, the unit that was a critical factor in the team’s frustrated victory over Clemson in the Sugar Bowl semifinal.
John Talty and Matt Zenitz AL.com previously reported that there were discussions between all parties involved – CFP, SEC, Big Ten and both schools – over the possibility of transferring the game, which is scheduled to take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, for January 18. .
On Tuesday, CFP Executive Director Bill Hancock and Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith said ESPN there were no imminent plans to postpone the game.
“I can say that there have been no changes,” said Hancock. “The game is scheduled for January 11 as planned, and we look forward to it.”
Smith added: “We are following the same protocols that we have followed throughout the season. We intend to play on January 11th and continue to communicate with the Big Ten and now with the CFP; do you know what tomorrow will bring? This is COVID. We are on the right track now. “
There was no indication of contingency plans in place should the Buckeyes fall below the availability limit, which can be especially difficult if it happens after both teams have already arrived in Florida.
Alabama, led by the recently crowned Heisman DeVonta Smith Trophy winner, comes from a 31-14 victory over Notre Dame in the Rose Bowl semifinal.
“Last night was a great feeling,” Smith he told reporters on Wednesday after beating Heisman on Tuesday night. “It was a blessing to be in that situation with [quarterback Mac Jones and head coach Nick Saban]. But now this is past and now we are going to the state of Ohio. “
If the title game is not postponed, Monday’s kick-off is scheduled for 8 pm Eastern time on ESPN.