[ad_1]
The state of Ohio confirmed Friday that it will play Saturday’s game at Michigan State as COVID-19 issues within the program have improved.
The Buckeyes, ranked fourth (4-0), are expected to fly to East Lansing, Michigan on Friday night. Ohio State called off last week’s game in Illinois hours before the scheduled kickoff due to an increase in positive COVID-19 cases among players and staff. The team suspended activities before resuming in-person practices on Tuesday and continuing them throughout the week. The state of Ohio has also implemented enhanced PCR testing to accompany the Big Ten’s daily antigen testing.
“We are confident that we are heading to East Lansing with a team capable of competing safely and whose health, safety and well-being has been our primary concern,” said team medic Jim Borchers in a statement. “We tested, monitored and evaluated our results on a daily basis and advised student-athletes, coaches and performance staff accordingly. daily moving average at a level that allows us to compete safely this weekend. “
Head coach Ryan Day, who tested positive for COVID-19 late last week, will not coach the Michigan State game. Assistant head coach / defensive line coach Larry Johnson will assume the head coaching responsibilities on Saturday, and Day, 41, is expected to return to full duty on Monday.
The state of Ohio has not disclosed specific numbers or names regarding recent positive COVID-19 tests.
The Buckeyes, who also had a game called off earlier this season against Maryland, are due to play Saturday and then next week to qualify for the Big Ten Championship game. The league requires a minimum of six games, although athletic directors can discuss adjusting the threshold. Michigan, which is slated to travel to Ohio state on Dec. 12, canceled Saturday’s game with Maryland and suspended all team activities following an increase in COVID-cases. 19 this week.
The state of Ohio said it had remained in communication with the state of Michigan throughout the week regarding its COVID situation.
“We currently have student-athletes and staff on isolation or quarantine protocols,” Borchers said, “and everyone is recovering and doing fine.”
[ad_2]
Source link