Ohio State announced coach Ryan Day wants to eliminate the Big Ten Championship Game to make The Game against Michigan more important. Day believes the change would benefit both programs in the new era of college football playoffs.
Day told The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman that now is the time for Ohio State and Michigan to switch up their approach. The proposal comes as a 24-team College Football Playoff looms on the horizon.
“I think with the elimination of the championship game, it keeps that rivalry as fierce as it’s ever been, the stakes just as high.”
The Game would essentially serve as a play-in game for the playoff under Day’s proposal.
Most would agree that’s already the setup now. But having the winner advance directly would mean more for the rivalry between the programs.
“You’re playing for either a chance to get into the Playoff or a chance to get seeded high to get a first-round bye. Or, if you are already predicted to be one of the top eight schools, then you’re fighting for a high seed. So, all those are critically important to your success in the Playoff.”
Ohio State and Michigan have made the playoff a combined eight times since the system began in 2014.
If both teams entered The Game at 11-0, they would likely both qualify for a 24-team playoff format. However, Day’s proposal would make the matchup a playoff eliminator instead.
The stage couldn’t get bigger under that scenario. The winner advances while the loser watches from home despite an otherwise perfect season.
Day’s comments reflect the changing landscape of college football. Conference realignment and playoff expansion have altered traditional rivalries across the sport.
The Big Ten Championship Game has existed since 2011. Eliminating it would require conference approval and would likely face resistance from other member schools.
