Ah, the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry—where football isn’t just a game; it’s practically a state religion. Saturday’s installment of “The Game” didn’t disappoint, delivering a nail-biting 13-10 upset for the Wolverines and a post-game brawl to keep everyone talking. Nothing says “sportsmanship” like pepper spray and a five-minute melee, right?
The chaos began when Michigan players decided to rub a little extra salt in Ohio State’s wound by attempting to plant their school flag at midfield in the Horseshoe. You’d think they were reenacting the moon landing, the way Ohio State players reacted. Naturally, fists flew, pride was wounded, and law enforcement stepped in with pepper spray because, apparently, nothing settles a score like a little capsaicin in the air.
A fight has broken out between Michigan and Ohio State after The Game pic.twitter.com/XPwdAjfYzN
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 30, 2024
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day was quick to throw blame Michigan’s way, calling the flag-planting attempt a direct provocation. “This is our field,” Day said, clearly forgetting that the scoreboard doesn’t care about territorial claims. Day’s Buckeyes may have lost the game, but he made it clear they weren’t going to let Michigan take a victory lap on their turf without a fight. Classic “we lost, but we still have our pride” energy.
Following the game, officers from multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in breaking up an on-field altercation. During the scuffle, multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray. OSUPD is the lead agency for games & will continue to investigate.
— OSU Police (@OSUPOLICE) November 30, 2024
On the other side, Michigan’s Sherrone Moore tried to play the diplomat, admitting emotions were running high while conveniently sidestepping any real accountability. “There’s emotion on both sides,” he said, as if both teams just happened to trip and fall into a fight. Rivalry games may get heated, but come on—if you’re going to provoke a fight by waving a flag in enemy territory, at least own it.
Thanks for the pepper spray pic.twitter.com/ZyIwOpTogs
— Michigan Football on UMGoBlue (@UMGoBlog) November 30, 2024
Let’s be honest: this brawl was as predictable as Michigan’s win. The Wolverines came into this game with a chip on their shoulder, while the Buckeyes carried the weight of lofty expectations—and neither team was in the mood to lose with grace. This is the kind of spectacle that reminds us why college football is so entertaining: the passion, the drama, and, apparently, the pepper spray.
However, Michigan walked away with the win and the bragging rights, while Ohio State was left with bruised egos and a little less dignity. As for the flag? It didn’t make it into the turf, but don’t worry—this rivalry will make sure that wound stays fresh for another year. Buckeyes fans, maybe invest in some extra security for next year’s rematch.
