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Buckeye Bits: Ohio State still all systems go ahead of Northwestern game

All of the latest Ohio State news from around the beat and beyond.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 05 Ohio State at Michigan State Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Happy Thursday, everyone. I was lucky enough to be headed south just ahead of this storm that has pounded the entire northeast of the country, but hopefully those of you stuck in the cold are enjoying your snow day! At the very least, campus sure does look pretty this time of year.

It has been a busy week in Ohio State land, with the Buckeyes signing nearly their entire 2021 recruiting class just over 24 hours ago and now just a couple days away from taking on Northwestern in the Big Ten title game. Let’s hope right into all of today’s headlines.

From around Land-Grant Holy Land...

Listen to this...

From around the gridiron...

Obviously we should start by addressing the elephant in the room. There have been rumors swirling around social media that Ohio State is dealing with a small COVID-19 outbreak. A few sources have alluded that potentially one prominent starter has tested positive, but Justin Fields is not that starter and that the overall outbreak is less than 10 people. As of right now, the Big Ten Championship Game does not appear to be in any danger.

Of course, the bigger concern is what this means for Ohio State’s College Football Playoff game should they make the final field of four — which they would with a victory over the Wildcats. Given the Big Ten’s current 21-day policy, any players who test positive this week would also be forced to sit out for the Buckeyes’ first round game in the CFP. Luckily, it appears as though Gene Smith is working with the conference to try and get that rule changed, which shouldn't be too hard given the new CDC guidelines only call for a 7-10 day quarantine.

Good news though - new game trailer!

Ryan Day spoke to the media today during his usual radio show spot, and discussed a little bit about the team’s upcoming matchup against Northwestern as well as the signing of the 2021 class. The Ohio State head coach is really excited about five-star defensive end Jack Sawyer, as I’m sure Larry Johnson is as well.

With all due respect to Cardale Jones, Ryan Day thinks you should also play school.

Day loved what he saw from Justin Fields as he watched the MSU game from his couch.

The Ohio State head coach feels the same way we all do about this whole season.

At least the guys are still having fun amid everything else going on in the world.

In other news, punter Drue Chrisman has been named to the All-Big Ten second team.

Larry Fitzgerald: friend of the program.

This is a very well-deserved honor. Indiana has been a really fun story to watch this year, and Tom Allen has done a tremendous job getting his guys to full buy in.

Things have certainly gone better in the Big Ten ahead of this week. I guess this is what happens when you make an inflexible schedule and set yourself up for failure @ Kevin Warren.

Justin Fields is up for all of the awards.

From everywhere else...

Ohio State’s mens hockey team is set to open up a series against Arizona State this afternoon. The Buckeyes are currently ranked No. 18 in the country at 3-5-0.

This is pretty darn cool.

The weather isn’t the only thing thats icy this week.

Prayers up for Scott Van Pelt, one of the absolute best in the business. Wishing him a speedy recovery and hope he can get back to work soon so we can get all our bad beats.