Columbus, Ohio Players from both teams clashed at midfield after Michigan’s victory over No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday, when the Wolverines tried to raise their flag on the Buckeyes’ home field. Both squads pushed and shoved until they were split apart in the ensuing conflict.
Police personnel from many agencies broke up the altercation, according to Ohio State spokesperson Dan Hedman. “During this scuffle, multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray,” according to his statement.
According to Hedman, the primary department looking into the situation is the OSU Police Department.
At a postgame news conference, Ohio State coach Ryan Day discussed the altercation, stating that while he did not “know all the details” of what transpired, “I know that these guys are looking to put a flag on our field and our guys weren’t going to let that happen.”
“This is our field and certainly we’re embarrassed with the fact that we lost the game but there’s some prideful guys on this team that weren’t just gonna let that happen,” Day stated. He claimed that after the incident, he had a conversation with the team.
Day noted a “couple things kinda crazy that went on down there,” but he added he believes everyone involved in the fight is okay.
In response to a question about who was at fault during a postgame press conference, Michigan coach Sherrone Moore stated, “It was emotions on both sides.”
“Rivalry games can get heated, especially this one,” he stated. “It’s the biggest one in the country, so we got to handle that better.”
Moore stated that he discussed the situation with his players in the locker room and that he intends to repeat it. The team is thrilled that they won the game, he continued, adding that he is “proud of our guys.”
In a postgame interview from the field, Michigan running back Kalel Mullings offered his thoughts on the altercation.
He remarked, “You hate to see stuff like that after the game for such a great game.” “Man, they need to learn how to lose in the long run.
Dominic Zvada’s 21-yard field goal with 45 seconds remaining gave the Wolverines a 13-10 victory, presumably ruining the Buckeyes’ chances of making it back to the Big Ten championship game the following week.
With only two minutes left in the game, Kalel Mullings burst free for a 27-yard rush, setting up the Wolverines (7-5, 5-4) at Ohio State’s 17-yard line. Zvada came on for the chip shot as the drive stalled at the three.
Will Howard threw incomplete on fourth down to give the Wolverines their fourth consecutive victory over their fierce rival after Ohio State (10-2, 7-2) recovered the ball but was unable to advance it.
Given that Ohio State was unranked and finishing a dismal season, this defeat may have been the hardest of those four for the Wolverines. Records don’t usually matter when these two teams play, but the Buckeyes were expected to win.
All afternoon, the Buckeyes were off. Jayden Fielding missed two field goal attempts, and Howard was 19 for 33 for 175 yards with one score and two interceptions. There was really little run game.
Michigan’s main weapon was the Mullings. In the first half, when neither team could muster any offensive momentum on the chilly afternoon, he ran for 116 yards and the Wolverines’ lone touchdown.
All day, Howard was awkward. He made an interception deep in his own territory in the first half, which resulted in a touchdown for Michigan.
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