Saban confirms discussions about postponing title game
Alabama coach Nick Saban acknowledged there were discussions about possibly moving the national championship game back because of COVID-19 issues.
The Associated Press and others have reported that Ohio State had spoken with CFP officials about possible player availability problems for the Buckeyes that could force the game to be delayed from Monday night in suburban Miami.
Saban said, “There were discussions as to whether it was fair to continue or to move the game back and all that.” But he noted that Alabama students return next week, creating “difficult management issues if we would have moved the game back.”
Asked Wednesday if the game was still on track to be played Monday night, Ohio State coach Ryan Day said: “Correct.”
“We’ll have plenty of players” available, Day said, though he didn’t disclose a specific number.
Saban also cited the Jan. 18 deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft as a factor against pushing the title game back.
“So just the whole timing of the whole thing would have been a tough management,” the Alabama coach said. “But I would have put player safety on either team as the most important factor in this decision.”
INJURY NON-UPDATES
Don’t look for either coach to offer specifics on the status of their injured stars, Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields or Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
Fields was banged up in the semifinal game against Clemson, and Ohio State coach Ryan Day has indicated he would play without specifying the nature of the injury.