- Tensions Erupt as Wolverines Plant Flag at Ohio Stadium
- Ryan Day Faces Mounting Pressure After Fourth Straight Rivalry Loss
- College Football Playoff Hopes Hang by a Thread for Ohio State
What began as a hard-fought rivalry game devolved into chaos Saturday as Michigan clinched a dramatic 13-10 victory over Ohio State, handing the Buckeyes their fourth straight loss in “The Game.” The tension exploded into an ugly postgame brawl, highlighting the intense emotions surrounding one of college football’s most storied matchups.
The clash began at midfield when Michigan players attempted to plant their team flag on Ohio State’s logo, a move that sparked outrage among Buckeye players. Defensive end Jack Sawyer ripped the flag from its pole, while other players on both sides escalated the altercation into physical confrontations. Amid the melee, police officers intervened, and at least one used pepper spray to disperse the crowd, impacting players and staff.
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles was seen writhing on the ground, screaming, “I can’t see!” after being exposed to the spray, while defensive tackle Hero Kanu staggered toward the tunnel, his face visibly affected by the chemicals. Head coach Ryan Day stood stunned on the sidelines as the scene unfolded, adding another layer of anguish to a loss that might define his tenure.
“We’re very disappointed,” Day said in a postgame press conference. “This is not what we expected. We prepared hard, and it just didn’t go our way. We have to figure out where we go from here.”
The loss adds to a growing list of challenges for Day, who has been under increasing scrutiny for his inability to beat Michigan. From defensive struggles to quarterback controversies and even a bitter history of public remarks from Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh, the rivalry has become a recurring source of heartbreak for the Ohio State coach.
On the field, Michigan dominated key moments of the game. Running back Kalel Mullings delivered a standout performance with 116 rushing yards and a crucial game-clinching run late in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard threw two critical interceptions, continuing a trend of costly mistakes in big games.
The defeat not only ends Ohio State’s hopes of a Big Ten Championship appearance but also leaves their College Football Playoff aspirations in jeopardy. With a 10-2 record, the Buckeyes remain a contender for a playoff spot, but their path now relies heavily on results elsewhere.
As Ohio State fans voiced their frustration, with some calling for Day’s resignation, the coach faces a critical moment in his career. While his 66-10 record is impressive, another postseason disappointment could put his future in serious doubt.
For now, the Buckeyes must regroup and refocus, knowing their season has become a “national championship or bust” endeavor. Meanwhile, Michigan’s celebration — and their planted flag — serves as a stark reminder of how much the rivalry’s dynamics have shifted in recent years.
