Reported covid-19 issues at Ohio State raise specter of CFP delay

College Football Playoff executive director Bill Hancock said Tuesday the national championship game between Alabama and Ohio State is still a go for Monday night amid a report the Buckeyes are having covid-19 issues.

AL.com reported that Ohio State was in contact with CFP officials about possible player availability problems that could force the game to be delayed. Those discussions were confirmed to the Associated Press by a person with knowledge of the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because no one had been authorized to speak publicly about the details.

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in a statement the Buckeyes continue to follow the same protocols they have all season. “We plan to play January 11,” Smith said.

Hancock said there were no changes, and the game in Miami Gardens, Fla., between the top-ranked Crimson Tide and the third-ranked Buckeyes still was scheduled for Monday night as planned.