Football
College Football: Ohio State Makes Michigan's Postgame Flag Planting Illegal at Stadium
2024-12-12
The Ohio State vs. Michigan football rivalry has always been a spectacle, filled with intense emotions and memorable moments. However, the events of the 120th meeting took an unexpected turn that has left the college football world buzzing.

Unraveling the Aftermath of the Ohio State vs. Michigan Brawl

The Heated Aftermath

In the aftermath of the Week 14 game, where Michigan emerged victorious with a 13-10 score, the story took a dark turn. Michigan's decision to plant its coveted "M" flag at midfield sparked a massive fight that erupted between the two teams. This incident not only led to both schools being fined $100,000 by the Big Ten but also put coach Ryan Day under scrutiny for his lack of prevention. The state of Ohio is now stepping in, with Representative Josh Williams advocating for the "O.H.I.O Sportsmanship Act." This bill aims to make it a felony for an opposing team to plant its flag at Ohio Stadium after an upset win. As stated in the bill (H/T CBS News), "No person shall plant a flagpole with a flag attached to it in the center of the football field at Ohio stadium of the Ohio State University on the day of a college football competition, whether before, during, or after the competition. Whoever violates this section is guilty of a felony of the fifth degree."There is a significant chance that this bill may not pass, but the impact of this incident on the rivalry is undeniable. Over the years, the Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry has been known for its wild and sometimes hostile moments, and this brawl may add another chapter to its storied history.

Michigan Alumni's Reaction

Michigan alumni and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy hilariously took to Twitter to express his reaction to the news. In a tweet explicitly regarding Awful Announcing's headline, he wrote, "Arguably my favorite headline ever. If I can make [one] small suggestion. They should change it to just banning Michigan from flag planting at Ohio Stadium. They don't gotta worry about anybody else." His words highlight the significance of this incident and the passion it has ignited among fans.The Buckeyes have dominated the Big Ten during much of Ryan Day's tenure, except for the Michigan losses. This makes a potential recurring incident less likely to have a significant impact on the team's performance.

The Focus Shifts

As the Ohio State team prepares to play Tennessee in the opening round of the College Football Playoff, the focus returns to the field. Coach Ryan Day is under pressure to save his job, and the rivalry's prestige continues to grow. The countdown is on for the 2025 meeting in Ann Arbor, and fans on both sides are eagerly anticipating the next showdown.The Ohio State vs. Michigan brawl has truly become a turning point in the rivalry, leaving a lasting mark on college football history. It remains to be seen how this incident will shape the future of the two teams and the Big Ten conference.
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