Things took a turn for the worse after Michigan's win over Ohio State.
Shortly after the Wolverines won 13-10, the teams got into a scuffle near midfield on Saturday as Michigan players tried to plant their flags on the Ohio State logo.
Several players were seen running wild as security, police and team staff tried to separate them.
Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore held up the team's flag during the melee and attempted to plant it on the Buckeyes' famous logo.
Then, Ohio State linebacker Jack Sawyer, who had an interception in the game, ripped Michigan flags from Wolverine players before the tension finally subsided.
“I don't know the specifics, but I know they're going to put a flag on our field and our players won't let that happen,” Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said after the game. That was my intention,” he said. “We're going to look into exactly what happened, but this is our field. The fact that we lost the game was certainly embarrassing, but we have proud men on this team who weren't going to let that happen. .”
According to multiple reports, police used pepper spray and members of both teams were injured.
The Fox broadcast showed several University of Michigan players rubbing their eyes in obvious discomfort.
“When you have a game this good, you hate to see something like that after the game,” University of Michigan running back Karel Mullins said. “It’s bad for the sport, it’s bad for college football, but at the end of the day, some guys have to learn how to lose.
“You can't fight just because you lost a game. We had 60 minutes, four quarters to fight that much. And now people are talking and fighting. But that's wrong. It's just bad for the game. It's classless in my opinion. People have to do better.”
Saturday's game marked Michigan's fourth straight victory in the storied rivalry, but Michigan entered the tournament as an unranked opponent and a heavy underdog to No. 2 Ohio State.
Michigan State is now 7-5 and Ohio State is 10-2.
When the dust finally started to calm down, Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham could be heard yelling, “Ohio State players are headed for the Buckeyes.”
Michigan edge rusher Thibi Anwuna was pepper sprayed and then taken away by security.
Michigan head coach Sherone Moore also waved goodbye to Ohio State fans in the final minutes of the game.
“It was an unnecessary gesture by the Wolverines,” Fox play-by-play man Gus Johnson said of the incident after the game. “They won the game, so there's no need to be rude.”
Wolverines quarterback David Warren threw for just 62 yards and two interceptions, but Mullins rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, and Michigan's defense stifled the Buckeyes' offense throughout the game.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard struggled, throwing for 175 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Buckeyes kicker Jayden Fielding also missed two short field goals, but University of Michigan kicker Dominic Zvada made both shots.
