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HAPPY ❌ONDAY, Buckeye fans! The biggest question over the last few days has been whether or not we’re going to have a game this Saturday. Well, I am happy to report that things are looking up in Ann Arbor, as Michigan has been cleared to resume limited workouts.
#Michigan confirms its medical staff has cleared the team to "begin limited workouts."
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 7, 2020
SOURCE: #Michigan is expected to take a first step towards returning to play later today; Wolverines are planning on being back on the field this afternoon but am told, it will not be a typical practice, and they “are not out of the woods yet."
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 7, 2020
This is obviously a step in the right direction for The Game, and really good news for Michigan, as it means their COVID-19 outbreak has not escalated.
All that being said, I now feel comfortable switching gears to...
Rivalry Week smack talk...
All together now:
It is 12:04 p.m.
— Connor Lemons (@lemons_connor) December 7, 2020
Don’t get me wrong. When Ryan Day said he was going to “hang 100” on Michigan in the beginning of the season, I was like okay! Yeah! That’d be awesome! But now that I’ve witnessed Michigan in action this season, I’m like... only 100?
P.S. Get yourself a “Who’s got it better than us?” shirt to be extra petty this season!
So getting ahead of this…
— Kevin Harrish (@Kevinish) December 7, 2020
If Ryan Day says during the offseason that he wants to "hang 100" on Michigan, then actually does hang 100 on Michigan, he instantly becomes an absolute legend in this rivalry.
Ohio State has opened as a 30-point favorite over Michigan.
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) December 6, 2020
This is the largest point spread in the rivalry in at least 40 years. pic.twitter.com/rH9wUwHYQl
(And yes, Day is back)
Not a surprise development but Ohio State coach Ryan Day was back at his Woody Hayes Athletic Center office on Monday -- the first day he could do so following his COVID-19 isolation. https://t.co/ZvoW6MjNGL
— Nathan Baird (@nwbaird) December 7, 2020
Award Watch...
Justin Fields has been named a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien award—the nation’s oldest and most prestigious quarterback award— and the Maxwell award— awarded to the best overall player in college football.
Ohio State QB @justnfields is a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien and Maxwell awards.
— Bill Rabinowitz (@brdispatch) December 7, 2020
Shaun Wade has been named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award— awarded to the top defensive back in CFB—and the Lott IMPACT award— given annually to the defensive player that displays the best combination of character and performance throughout the season.
Ohio State CB @shaunwade24 named one of 12 Thorpe Award semifinalists and one of 24 Lott IMPACT award semifinalists.
— Bill Rabinowitz (@brdispatch) December 7, 2020
A few players missed out on their respective awards, which can only be explained by the lack of chances (aka games) to prove themselves worthy over other players who got to play full or close to full seasons. Thanks, Big Ten.
Surprised that neither @chrisolave_ nor @GarrettWilson_V is among the 11 Biletnikoff Award semifinalists. Same goes for @DChrisman91's omission from the Ray Guy award.
— Bill Rabinowitz (@brdispatch) December 7, 2020
As for the champions of the Michigan State game, Justin Fields is back as the Offensive Player of the Game, Haskell Garrett and Shaun Wade are the Defensive Players of the game, and Drue Chrisman is the Special Teams champion.
Ohio State’s champions from the Michigan State game pic.twitter.com/fqG3fCQPDi
— Bill Landis (@BillLandis25) December 7, 2020
From around the hardwood...
Chris Holtmann met with the media Monday afternoon to preview Tuesday night’s game against Notre Dame. He said the Buckeyes will bus to more games this year than they usually do and travel more on the day of the game. However, Ohio State will fly to Notre Dame tonight.
The #Buckeyes will fly to South Bend tonight, Chris Holtmann said, and be tested tomorrow morning in order to play at Notre Dame on Tuesday night.
— Adam Jardy (@AdamJardy) December 7, 2020
The head coach is expecting tomorrow night’s game to be a challenge, saying Notre Dame’s experience going against Michigan State has helped them, as the Spartans are one of the most impressive teams in the country.
Holtmann said the game should be “a tremendous challenge.” He said he is looking forward to being on the road for the first time this season.
— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) December 7, 2020
Regardless of whether the Buckeyes win or lose, however, Holtmann said it is important to play a team like Notre Dame before Big Ten play to see where they’re at as a team.
Holtmann said he feels good about the overall chemistry of the team. He said you don’t know what the makeup of your team is until you go through difficult times.
— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) December 7, 2020
As for updates on the return of Seth Towns and Musa Jallow, Holtmann said they will both be game-time decisions. For Towns specifically, he has practiced regularly for over a week now, but a lot of it will depend on his own confidence in his knee.
Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann said Seth Towns and Musa Jallow will be game-time decisions for Tuesday's game at Notre Dame.
— Buckeye Sports Bulletin (@Buckeye_Sports) December 7, 2020
Despite Ohio State’s game against Alabama A&M getting canceled (originally scheduled for Dec. 5), the Buckeyes found themselves bumped one spot to No. 22 in the latest A.P. Poll.
B1G in latest AP poll:
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 7, 2020
3. @IowaHoops
4. @MSU_Basketball
6. @IlliniMBB
13. @BadgerMBB
21. @RutgersMBB
22. @OhioStateHoops
Full poll ➡️ https://t.co/4ixF9asoHj pic.twitter.com/MfcaOM4U8B
Michigan State Recap...
And of course, we have all your Michigan State recap goodness here at LGHL. Whether you would like it in the form of a podcast, a Twitter round up, or a good ole fashioned “What We Learned” review, I’ve linked it all below. Because let’s be honest... that game was fun.