It could be a massive "bank error in your favor," for Ohio State, but as an Ohio State fan, I couldn't care less.
Thanks to Ohio State's shift from quarters to semesters, its classes begin much later than they would've under the old system. In fact, since its winter semester doesn't begin until January 12th — the same day as the title game — Ohio State can exceed the NCAA's 20-hours-a-week practice limit, according to ESPN's indomitable Brett McMurphy.
The kicker? Oregon's classes, though also on semester, began on Monday. As such, Oregon is bound by the NCAA's practice limits.
Unfair? Certainly, but that's how the cookie crumbles in this sport.