Title game still on for now

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 that the Buckeyes are having COVID-19 issues.

AL.com reported that Ohio State has been 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.

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

Ohio State athletic department spokesman Jerry Emig said the Buckeyes did practice Tuesday.

Alabama AD Greg Byrne posted on Twitter that he and Smith have had multiple conversations.

“Both schools are focused on playing in the (at) CFBPlayoff Championship Game on January 11th,” Byrne said.

Hancock said there were no changes and the game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., between the No. 1 Crimson Tide and No. 3 Buckeyes was still scheduled for Monday night as planned.

Hancock has previously said Jan. 18 is a potential makeup date if necessary.