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Tuesday was a sad day for college football and fans of the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes. This Saturday was supposed to be the highlight of collegiate football, The Game means so much to so many, even outside of the realm of the two fan bases. Even with the eight-game winning streak and an expected blowout from the Buckeyes, a large portion of the Michigan fan was disappointed when the ultimate representation of college football became yet another casualty of the wild year that has been 2020.
News of this magnitude was bound to make some noise notable fans, alumni, analyst, the programs, and the student athletes themselves. Here is a synopsis of some things that were said:
Here is how Michigan broke the news:
"This decision is disappointing for our team and coaches but their health and safety is paramount, and it will always come first in our decision-making.” pic.twitter.com/IHXOD6lXyj
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) December 8, 2020
Their opponents, Ohio State, wittily responded:
Da❌n.
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 8, 2020
Later, they included their hype video for Saturday’s game, portraying how they prepare all year for this game:
The Ga❌e isn't just played on one day. It's lived year round.
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 9, 2020
It will be back.#GoBuckeyes #Fight pic.twitter.com/YLxXTsI49Y
Stewart Mandel, the Editor-In-Chief of The Athletic chimed in:
Sad, sad day. Michigan-Ohio State is officially canceled.
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) December 8, 2020
Forget the CFP/Big Ten title stuff, it's one of the sport's most iconic rivalries not going to get played.
Color commentator Joel Klatt who pairs with Gus Johnson on the call had this to say:
I am heartbroken for the players, coaches, and fans of both teams...@OhioStateFB vs @UMichFootball is one of the iconic rivalries in sport.
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) December 8, 2020
Michigan safety Hunter Reynolds is never quiet in controversial moments like these. In this tweet, he defends his team when several fans on both sides were saying that Michigan wanted out of The Game:
Idgaf what none of yall say there wasn’t a person in that locker room tryna duck anyone
— Hunter Reynolds (@hunt_xxvii) December 8, 2020
Buckeye quarterback and projected first round pick Justin Fields posted a single emoji to portray his feelings:
— Justin Fields (@justnfields) December 8, 2020
John Bacon, who is well connected with the Michigan program and this rivalry added the following:
Michigan will not play Ohio State this year for the first time since 1917 season -- months after U.S. entered World War I.
— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) December 8, 2020
The guys over at 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit offered a solution, which would keep Ohio State out of the Big Ten championship, but keep two of the biggest Big Ten rivalries alive:
Like @RicoBeard said:
— Jeff Riger (@riger1984) December 8, 2020
Next week:
Minnesota VS Wisconsin (they’ve played over 100 years)
Hoosier Daddies VS Northwestern (Big Ten title game)
And Michigan VS OSU (FOX still gets to broadcast the game and OSU can get 6th win and still get to go to CFP)
Make it happen Big Ten
Former Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker oddly had something to add:
Biggest thing U of M has done in the Harbaugh era! https://t.co/zw0NsdRC2w
— Sam Dekker (@dekker) December 8, 2020
Khalid Hill, former Michigan fullback added a funny quip:
I swear I see no lies https://t.co/VOcyQUDiTB
— Khalid Hill (@Thatboylid80) December 8, 2020
The scrutiny, poking fun, and the straight-up hate were all going to come, especially with the anticipated outcome of this game. The sad truth is that as we sit this game will not be played for the first time in over 100 years and the Wolverines will add on another year without a win against their arch-rival. Next year’s game is salted for Nov. 27, 2021. That is over 10 years since their last win in this historic battle on Nov. 26, 2011. COVID-permitting, both sides will be eagerly anticipating that game and there will be a little extra energy going into it.