Big Ten Changes Rules to Cater to Big Dog Ohio State as IU Football Continues to Get Dissed

Written by Evan McShane
On Monday evening the Big Ten official announced that the Ohio State Buckeyes will be representing the East Division in the Big Ten Championship game in Indianapolis. Prior to the start of the 2020 season, the Big Ten created a minimum-game requirement based on average games played in order to be eligible for the title. The move to reverse this rule does not come as much of a surprise, as the conference hasn’t been shy about their efforts to pave Ohio State’s road to the College Football Playoff. The official statement from the Big Ten reads as follows:

“The Big Ten Conference Administrators Council, which includes the Directors of Athletics and Senior Women Administrators from all 14 member institutions, voted today to eliminate the minimum-game requirement for participation in the 2020 Big Ten Football Championship Game. The decision was made in collaboration with the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors and the conference office.

The decision was based on a competitive analysis which determined that Ohio State would have advanced to the Big Ten Football Championship Game based on its undefeated record and head-to-head victory over Indiana regardless of a win or loss against Michigan. 

As a result of the decision, Ohio State will represent the East Division in the 2020 Big Ten Football Championship game against Northwestern.

The conference continues to prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes and remains flexible and united with its 14 member institutions and partners during these unprecedented times.”

Just because the move was expected doesn’t mean it stings any less for Hoosier fans. At 6-1, Indiana would have been a shoe-into represent the East in the Big Ten Championship game had this technicality not been overruled. Nevertheless, Tom Allen and his Hoosier football team will stay focused in hopes of returning to the field. This rule change comes on the heels of the news that the Old Oaken Bucket game will be cancelled due to Covid-19 issues within both programs. The Indiana football program isn’tmaking any excuses. Vice president and newly anointed athletic director, Scott Dolson, released the following statement: 

“Coach Allen and I are proud of this team and the success we have had so far this season. We are one of only two teams in the country with three Top-25 victories and have matched a program record for Big Ten wins. Although we understand the conference’s decision, we are disappointed. From the start of the year, we have said we can only control what we can control. We had a chance to earn our spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, but ultimately fell a touchdown short on the road against a great Ohio State team. We look forward to resuming activities and completing one of the best seasons in our school’s history.”

New commissioner Kevin Warren has had a turbulent year to say the least. The conference initially voted not to play football, then reversed that decision, only to again amend the rules just ten days prior to the championship game. The only thing Indiana can do now is hope they get healthy and prepare to defeat whoever they’ll face next.