Ohio State HC Ryan Day Tests Positive for COVID-19; Won't Coach vs. Illinois
Nov 27, 2020
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri).
Ohio State will play Saturday's game without head coach Ryan Day.
The university announced Friday that Day tested positive for COVID-19. Assistant head coach Larry Johnson will take charge of the team this week:
In addition to Day's result, Ohio State said in its announcement that it has had "an increased number of positive tests this week for the coronavirus."
Even though the number of positive tests has increased, the school did note it has not fallen below the threshold of available players needed to play Saturday's game as scheduled.
PerBig Ten rules, teams must not have a positivity rate above five percent (7.5 percent including the traveling party) for games to go ahead. Coaches who test positive are required to isolate for at least 10 days.
Day is in his second season as Buckeyes head coach since taking over for Urban Meyer. Johnson has served as an associate head coach and defensive line coach for the program since 2014.
Ohio State (4-0) has three games remaining in the regular season, including Saturday's matchup with Illinois.
Coaching changes are always among the most important stories late in a college football season. Some programs need to replace a head coach who accepts a promotion — whether elsewhere in college or the NFL — or a longtime boss who retires...
The Ohio State Buckeyes are viewed as the front-runner to reach the College Football Playoff out of the Big Ten, but to follow through on that title, they need to play cleaner than they did on Saturday...
College Football Rankings 2020: Week 12 Polls, Schedule and Standings Prediction
Nov 16, 2020
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) carries for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
The Big Ten and Big 12 will gain more clarity in their respective title races in Week 12.
With three Top 25 matchups in the two conferences, we should see more poll movement after the Week 12 results than we saw following Week 11.
The top eight teams in the AP Top 25 and top 11 in the Coaches Poll did not budge due to a combination of inactivity and easy victories. With the lack of movement up top, less than half of the programs in both polls shifted up or down the rankings.
With the Bedlam rivalry approaching in the Big 12 and the top two teams in each Big Ten division facing each other, the top half of the rankings should look much different in a week's time.
Week 12 Polls
AP Top 25
1. Alabama (6-0)
2. Notre Dame (8-0)
3. Ohio State (3-0)
4. Clemson (7-1)
5. Texas A&M (5-1)
6. Florida (5-1)
7. Cincinnati (7-0)
8. BYU (8-0)
9. Indiana (4-0)
10. Wisconsin (2-0)
11. Oregon (2-0)
12. Miami (7-1)
13. Georgia (4-2)
14. Oklahoma State (5-1)
T15. Marshall (7-0)
T15. Coastal Carolina (7-0)
17. Iowa State (5-2)
18. Oklahoma (5-2)
19. Northwestern (4-0)
20. USC (2-0)
21. Liberty (8-0)
22. Texas (5-2)
23. Auburn (4-2)
24. Louisiana (7-1)
25. Tulsa (4-1)
Coaches Poll
1. Alabama
2. Notre Dame
3. Ohio State
4. Clemson
5. Florida
6. Texas A&M
7. Cincinnati
8. BYU
9. Miami
10. Indiana
11. Georgia
12. Wisconsin
13. Oregon
14. Oklahoma State
15. Marshall
16. Iowa State
17. Oklahoma
18. Coastal Carolina
19. USC
20. Northwestern
21. Auburn
22. Liberty
23. Texas
24. North Carolina (6-2)
25. Louisiana
Week 12 Schedule
All Times ET
Thursday, November 19
Tulane at No. 25 Tulsa (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
Saturday, November 21
No. 9 Indiana at No. 3 Ohio State (Noon, Fox)
No. 4 Clemson at Florida State (Noon, ABC)
No. 6 Florida at Vanderbilt (Noon, ESPN)
Appalachian State at No. 15 Coastal Carolina (Noon, ESPN2)
Charlotte at No. 15 Marshall (12:30 p.m., Fox Sports Networks)
Central Arkansas at No. 24 Louisiana (2 p.m., ESPN+)
North Alabama at No. 8 BYU (3 p.m., ESPN3)
Ole Miss at No. 5 Texas A&M (3:30 p.m., CBS)
No. 7 Cincinnati at UCF (3:30 p.m., ESPN)
No. 10 Wisconsin at No. 19 Northwestern (3:30 p.m., ABC)
No. 22 Texas at Kansas (3:30 p.m., ESPN2)
Kentucky at No. 1 Alabama (4 p.m., SEC Network)
Kansas State at No. 17 Iowa State (4 p.m., Fox)
Tennessee at No. 23 Auburn (7 p.m., ESPN)
Mississippi State at No. 13 Georgia (7:30 p.m., SEC Network)
No. 14 Oklahoma State at No. 18 Oklahoma (7:30 p.m., ABC)
No. 21 Liberty at NC State (7:30 p.m., ESPN3)
Georgia Tech at No. 12 Miami (8 p.m., ACC Network)
No. 20 USC at Utah (10:30 p.m., ESPN)
Standings Predictions
Oklahoma Rejoins Top 15 Through Bedlam Win
Oklahoma holds a five-game winning run in the Bedlam Series with Oklahoma State.
The Sooners have typically been the higher-ranked side, but the Cowboys come into Saturday's clash four spots ahead of their rival.
Although their ranking is better, though, the Cowboys enter the showdown in Norman, Oklahoma in worse form. Mike Gundy's team fell at home to the Texas Longhorns and then struggled to defeat the Kansas State Wildcats before its Week 11 bye.
Meanwhile, the Sooners pulled off back-to-back wins with 60 or more points against the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Kansas Jayhawks.
Of course, Oklahoma's last two opponents were far less difficult than its rival's previous foes, but it is worth noting how well the Sooners offense played.
Spencer Rattler and Co. may not put up 60 points against an Oklahoma State defense that conceded over 30 points once, but if they benefit from the confidence gained over the last two contests, they could come out on top on home soil.
If that occurs, Oklahoma should move into the top 15 and may have a chance to land a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game depending on how tiebreakers fall with the conference teams that have two league losses.
Ohio State, Wisconsin Force Indiana, Northwestern To Drop
Ohio State and Wisconsin have an opportunity to take charge of their respective Big Ten divisions on Saturday.
The Buckeyes welcome the Indiana Hoosiers, while the Badgers visit the Northwestern Wildcats.
Indiana and Northwestern have been the two most pleasant surprises in the Big Ten, but Week 12 marks their first real battles with the titans of the conference.
Indiana's wins over the Michigan Wolverines and Penn State Nittany Lions were notable, but they are not valuable in terms of the 2020 season since the two teams have one combined win.
In the last two years, the Buckeyes have won all nine of their home contests by double digits, and they defeated Indiana by 41 points on the road in 2019.
The margin of victory will likely be smaller at Ohio Stadium, but the visitors could give the Buckeyes a challenge for a half or three quarters, which would help soften the blow of a drop down the rankings.
Wisconsin's offense showed no drop off after a two-week layoff, as it put up over 40 points in both of its games.
Northwestern only reached the 40-point threshold in its opening-week win over the Maryland Terrapins. Its offense reached the 20-point mark in each of the last three games.
If the Wildcats are unable to contain Graham Mertz, they could lose their advantage in the Big Ten West and potentially fall out of the rankings.
The Badgers quarterback tore up his first two Big Ten opponents for seven passing touchdowns, and if he works down the field with ease, he could turn Wisconsin into Ohio State's top competition in the Big Ten.
If the Buckeyes and Badgers win, they will reinforce their positions inside the top 10 and set a course for a December meeting in Indianapolis.
The College Football Playoff discussion felt like it took a week off. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish were the only team in action in Week 11 due to COVID-19-related postponements ...
The College Football Playoff selection committee could be tasked with a familiar conundrum when it meets to finalize the four-team field...
Justin Fields, Ohio State Offense Backing Up Its Championship Billing
David Kenyon
Nov 11, 2020
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields plays against Rutgers during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Long before we realized the 2020 college football season would look markedly different, Ohio State stood alongside Alabama and Clemson as the premier national title contenders.
As the COVID-19 pandemic altered the schedule, however, Ryan Day's team shifted from a co-favorite to a non-participant to a heavily delayed challenger. But after three impressive wins, the Buckeyes are living up to those lofty preseason expectations.
Justin Fields and this offense are the biggest reason why.
Given that he's a former 5-star recruit and finished third in Heisman Trophy voting last season, Fields' excellent performance is no surprise. And while the competition level so far must be considered, he's also leaving no doubt.
Fields accounted for 330 yards and three touchdowns in the season-opening win over Nebraska. He threw for 318 yards and four scores at Penn State and then obliterated Rutgers with 314 passing yards and six total touchdowns. Fields has completed 72 of his 83 attempts—a ridiculous 86.7 percent—at 10.9 yards per throw.
Overall, he's accounted for 13 scores with zero turnovers while leading the Buckeyes to 511.3 yards and 46.3 points per outing. Both are top-10 marks among programs that have played at least three games.
One of the most impressive parts of Fields' game in 2020 is his ability to evade initial pressure. NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah provided a few clips of how that looked against Rutgers.
Just finished studying Justin Fields vs Rutgers. I love his ability to avoid the free rusher and remain calm. Here are a few examples of his poise & elusiveness: pic.twitter.com/7Av9DMam48
Fields is known as a dual-threat quarterback, so that mobility is expected. Being fast, though, doesn't mean someone is able to recognize the pressure and escape so calmly. And because Fields is a pass-first player, he isn't simply looking to scramble; he's constantly looking for a big play downfield.
Considering the talent at receiver, that's the best decision.
"When he starts to run around, he's so dangerous," Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said of Fields, according to Patrick Murphy of Bucknuts. "But let's remember who's catching the ball. Those are two elite receivers. Elite, elite."
Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson have already combined for sevencatches of 25-plus yards and five 100-yard games.
Olave—the team leader in yards and touchdowns last season—has 18 receptions for 288 yards and four scores. Wilson has become a top option as expected in his sophomore year, reeling in 24 passes for 344 yards and two touchdowns so far.
Though the Buckeyes leaned on a rotation in recent years, it would be perfectly sound to rely heavily on that duo in 2020. Nevertheless, they're receiving some production from two more targets as well.
Tight end Jeremy Ruckert is a terrific red-zone threat with three touchdowns, and Jameson Williams—the other starting wideout—just caught a 38-yard score against Rutgers.
Fields, unsurprisingly, believes the offense can still improve.
"I don't think we're at our peak yet," Fields said following the Rutgers win, per Dan Hope of Eleven Warriors.
Beyond the literal notion that perfection is unattainable, he's correct. The interior of the offensive line has struggled at times. Excluding the fourth quarter (garbage-time carries), the Buckeyes are at 5.3 yards per carry. That's quite good, but it can be better.
However, the tackles—Nicholas Petit-Frere and Thayer Munford—are thriving.
Ohio State OT duo: Thayer Munford & Nicholas Petit-Frere vs Penn St
Besides, the interior group is immensely talented. Right guard Wyatt Davis earned All-American honors in 2019, and center Josh Myers landed third-team All-Big Ten. Left guard Harry Miller was a 5-star prospect. Other than Miller, the expectation of improvement is based on past performance, not just potential.
Provided the blocking unit progresses, Master Teague III and Trey Sermon will have more chances for explosive runs.
They're both averaging at least 4.5 yards per carry, yet they have combined for only three 20-yard gains in three games. Ohio State trended much closer to two carries of 20-plus per game with J.K. Dobbins and Teague last year, and that's fully attainable in 2020.
Although an elite offense always appeared likely, the Buckeyes needed to prove this was a championship-caliber unit on game day. Plus, we aren't crowning Ohio State as Big Ten champions, given the defense's occasional issues and the possibility of Graham Mertz raising Wisconsin's upside.
But through three games, Fields and his supporting cast have solidified Ohio State as a College Football Playoff favorite. In a year full of changes, accomplishing the expected is still a major feat.
All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from NCAA.com, cfbstats.com or B/R research. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
College Football Rankings 2020: Week 11 Standings, Schedule and Predictions
Nov 9, 2020
Alabama tight end Miller Forristall (87) is upended as he scores a touchdown against Mississippi during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. Alabama won 63-48. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
For the first time in the 2020 college football season, the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll changed hands.
The Alabama Crimson Tide are now on top after the Clemson Tigers' Week 10 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and it may be a while before the SEC West side relinquishes that title, if it does at all.
In a normal season, Week 11's clash with the LSU Tigers may be a tough hurdle to get over for the Crimson Tide, but with the national champion struggling, Alabama is expected to produce another dominant performance.
That could be the theme across Week 11 with no Top 25 matchups and a majority of the top teams scheduled to face weaker opposition.
The biggest potential for upsets likely will come against teams in the middle of the rankings in the Big Ten, as the Wisconsin Badgers and Northwestern Wildcats face tricky road trips.
AP Top 25
1. Alabama (6-0)
2. Notre Dame (7-0)
3. Ohio State (3-0)
4. Clemson (7-1)
5. Texas A&M (5-1)
6. Florida (4-1)
7. Cincinnati (6-0)
8. BYU (8-0)
9. Miami (6-1)
10. Indiana (3-0)
11. Oregon (1-0)
12. Georgia (4-2)
13. Wisconsin (1-0)
14. Oklahoma State (5-1)
15. Coastal Carolina (7-0)
16. Marshall (6-0)
17. Iowa State (5-2)
18. Oklahoma (5-2)
19. SMU (7-1)
20. USC (1-0)
21. Texas (5-2)
22. Liberty (7-0)
23. Northwestern (3-0)
24. Auburn (4-2)
25. Louisiana (6-1)
Coaches Poll
1. Alabama
2. Notre Dame
3. Ohio State
4. Clemson
5. Florida
6. Texas A&M
7. Cincinnati
8. BYU
9. Miami
10. Indiana
11. Georgia
12. Oregon
13. Oklahoma State
14. Wisconsin
15. Marshall
16. Iowa State
17. Coastal Carolina
18. Oklahoma
19. SMU
20. USC
21. Auburn
22. Liberty
23. Northwestern
24. Texas
25. Army (6-1)
Week 11 Schedule
All Times ET.
Friday, November 13
East Carolina at No. 7 Cincinnati (7:30 p.m., ESPN2)
Saturday, November 14
No. 9 Miami at Virginia Tech (Noon, ESPN2)
No. 10 Indiana at Michigan State (Noon, ABC)
No. 12 Georgia at Missouri (Noon, ESPN)
No. 15 Coastal Carolina at Troy (Noon, ESPNU)
Western Carolina at No. 22 Liberty (Noon, ESPN3)
Middle Tennessee at No. 16 Marshall (1:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network)
South Alabama at No. 25 Louisiana (2 p.m., ESPN+)
No. 2 Notre Dame at Boston College (3:30 p.m., ABC)
No. 3 Ohio State at Maryland (3:30 p.m., BTN)
No. 5 Texas A&M at Tennessee (3:30 p.m., ESPN)
No. 20 USC at Arizona (3:30 p.m., Fox)
No. 24 Auburn at Mississippi State (4 p.m., SEC Network)
No. 1 Alabama at LSU (6 p.m., CBS)
Arkansas at No. 6 Florida (7 p.m., ESPN)
No. 11 Oregon at Washington State (7 p.m., FS1)
No. 19 SMU at Tulsa (7 p.m., ESPN2)
No. 13 Wisconsin at Michigan (7:30 p.m., ABC)
No. 23 Northwestern at Purdue (7:30 p.m., BTN)
Predictions
Top 10 Remains The Same
Upon first glance, the Week 11 schedule could be filled with potential trap games for Top 10 teams.
However, the recent results delivered by the unranked opponents of Top 10 programs on Saturday will make you think otherwise.
Alabama's rivalry with LSU is typically one of the must-watch games of the season, but the Tigers' poor performances in a rebuilding season make them more likely to be the latest team to lose by double digits to the Tide.
The Tennessee Volunteers may have been a tricky opponent for the Texas A&M Aggies, but they disappointed in their Week 10 loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Texas A&M also displayed an ability to avoid a so-called trap game by demolishing the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday.
Notre Dame and the Ohio State Buckeyes need to be wary of their respective matchups with the Boston College Eagles and Maryland Terrapins, but the pair of top-three teams should win comfortably.
Boston College has not beaten Notre Dame since 2008, and Maryland has to prove it can compete with a team of Ohio State's caliber. Maryland's two victories against the Penn State Nittany Lions and Minnesota Golden Gophers, two programs taking steps back compared to their 2019 results.
The Florida Gators and Cincinnati Bearcats should be favored to win big on home soil, while the Miami Hurricanes and Indiana Hoosiers both face opponents coming off disappointing results.
If the Top 10 teams take care of business, we could be in for a rather quiet weekend when it comes to changes at the top.
Big Ten Produces Biggest Upsets
Wisconsin and Northwestern face two unique challenges in Week 11.
If the Badgers are cleared to return to play, they have to visit an up-and-down Michigan team that will be hungry to prove Week 10's disappointing loss to Indiana was a fluke.
The Wolverines have plenty of offensive firepower with Joe Milton at quarterback, and if they challenge whomever is the Wisconsin quarterback, they could force the Badgers to tumble down the rankings.
In their last two meetings at Michigan Stadium, the Wolverines have outscored the Badgers 52-20. If a similar performance comes out of Jim Harbaugh's team on Saturday, it could be on the edge of the Top 25 again.
All of a sudden Northwestern has a target on its back in the Big Ten West after starting 3-0.
Although Purdue has one victory in its last six meetings with Northwestern, it could earn a winning streak against the Wildcats for the first time since 2006 and 2007 through its offensive star.
David Bell has turned in back-to-back 120-yard receiving games and he will be the most explosive offensive threat the Wildcats have faced so far this season.
If Bell torches the Northwestern secondary and the Purdue defense limits the visitors to 20 points or fewer, the Boilermakers could be the direct replacement for Pat Fitzgerald's team in the Top 25.
Saturday is a crucial day in the College Football Playoff fight. A pair of top-10 matchups should provide more clarity as to which teams belong in the final four, as well as the New Year's Six bowls...
