ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit apologizes for implying Michigan could use coronavirus to dodge rival Ohio State - Fox News

ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit apologized Tuesday after he suggested the University of Michigan could use the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to dodge a scheduled game with Ohio State.

Herbstreit, who attended Ohio State and played quarterback for the school, initially mocked the embattled Michigan program and suggested the Wolverines didn’t want to play Ohio State in order to keep their archrivals out of the Big Ten Championship game.

ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit apologized Tuesday after suggesting the University of Michigan could use the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to dodge a scheduled game with Ohio State.

4 in the nation but have only played four games and need six to qualify for the Big Ten title game.

College football has seen multiple games canceled or postponed because of various coronavirus outbreaks and the ESPN analyst noted that the 2-4 Michigan program could keep the Buckeyes out of the championship if the game cannot be played.

“I still think Michigan waves the white flag, potentially avoids playing Ohio State next week, and then they’ll potentially get a game on the 19th,” Herbstreit said.

“Michigan could opt out, basically, of that game, and keep Ohio State out of six games to qualify for the Big Ten championship.