:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68489351/usa_today_15221037.0.jpg)
The Big Ten announced Wednesday that it has removed its six-game requirement for teams to be eligible to play in the conference championship.
There’s no denying that the move was made to qualify No. 4 Ohio State for the contest, therefore likely locking the team in for the College Football Playoff. Any program that makes the four-team bracket will receive a $6 million payout, which in this instance would go to the Big Ten for revenue distribution.
The Buckeyes, who finish the regular season with an 5-0 record after cancellations to games against Maryland, Illinois and Michigan, are set to play No. 14 Northwestern, which has already clinched the West division.
Maryland is in the hunt for a third place finish, which would be the team’s best since its first year in the Big Ten. Final standings are based on win percentage this season, which doesn’t give the Terps a lot of wiggle room due to their lack of games. The spot will come down to Maryland and Michigan State; head coach Mike Locksley’s squad will automatically secure it with a win against Rutgers, or if the Spartans lose to Penn State.
If based on the current standings, the No. 3 spot in the East would face Wisconsin during championship week, while the fourth place team would square off with Minnesota. However, that could be reversed if the Badgers lose to No. 16 Iowa and the Golden Gophers defeat Nebraska on Saturday, which seems probable.
In other news
Maryland men’s basketball struggled all-around in a 67-51 loss to Clemson Wednesday.
Lauren wrote a feature on the World Series matchup between former Terps Brandon Lowe and Adam Kolarek
Lowe was named to the All-MLB Second Team Wednesday.
A 2020 campaign that left us saying “wow” like Lowe pic.twitter.com/23NajAH0KG
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) December 10, 2020
Manchester City goalkeeper and former Terp Zack Steffen made his Champions League debut on Wednesday, recording a clean shit in a 3-0 victory.
#UCL debut @zackstef_23 pic.twitter.com/0zifz5JJrc
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 9, 2020
Pro Terps are leading the way in the NFL this season on
WRU and DBU.
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) December 9, 2020
Duo w/ the most combined rec yards ✅
Duo w/ the most combined INTs ✅ pic.twitter.com/DfZV98edMk
Maryland women’s basketball guard Katie Benzan is one of the best shooters in the country.
Oh, hey @katiekbenz
— Maryland Women’s Basketball (@TerpsWBB) December 10, 2020
She’s 19-33 from outside the arc through four games #FearTheTurtle pic.twitter.com/BjnHhGnrU5
Maryland men’s soccer secured a national title in California two years ago
Unranked to begin the season.
— Maryland Soccer (@MarylandMSoccer) December 9, 2020
Unranked during the season.
Unscored upon in the tourney.
Undenied for the trophy.
The '18 boys won it all two years ago today. pic.twitter.com/SV9cKmFs7o