During a melancholy Carmen Ohio, Michigan players gathered around midfield and attempted to plant a team flag at the 50-yard line. Ohio State players heard cheers from Michigan fans, turned to see what was unfolding, and ran to meet the Michigan players, arriving just after the flag was stabbed into the ground. A melee ensued.

“I don’t know all the details of it, but I know that these guys are looking to put a flag on our field, and our guys weren’t going to let that happen,” Ryan Day said after the game. “I’ll find out exactly what happened, but this is our field. And certainly, we’re embarrassed at the fact that we lost the game, but there’s some prideful guys on this team that weren’t just going to let that happen.”

COMPLETE FIGHT

Michigan attempts to plant the flag on the Ohio State O, and a full-scale brawl ensues!

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Punches thrown! Helmets ripped off! A second flag plant attempt! The flag gets torn apart! Police sprint onto the field to break it up!

Wild scene in Columbus. pic.twitter.com/gzAmjNTRif

— InAllKindsOfWeather.com (@AllKindsWeather) November 30, 2024

Several individual altercations can be seen in the mass of bodies at midfield. Ohio State safety Jaylen McClain (No. 18) stepped into a crowd of Michigan players and started throwing punches, then got punched himself and slammed to the ground by Michigan defensive end Cameron Brandt (91) with assistance from defensive tackle Kenneth Grant (78). Grant and Ohio State linebacker Gabe Powers (36) then grabbed at each other as Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) struck at Grant. Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau (44) followed to get involved in the shoving between McClain and Brandt, but was held back by tight end Patrick Gurd (49).

Ohio State cornerback Lorenzo Styles Jr. (3) was standing in a mass of players on the Michigan side when the altercation started, and got shoved toward the middle by Michigan defensive back Brandyn Hillman (6) with a melee following. Styles exchanged blows with Michigan defensive back Quinten Johnson (28) and running back Bryson Kudzdal (41). Johnson shoved Styles backward as an Ohio State staffer tried to break them up.

Michigan defensive back Jyaire Hill (35) grabbed a Gatorade bottle and threw it at McClain, hitting an Ohio State staffer in the head, then grabbed Styles by his nameplate and slammed him to the turf from behind. Ohio State tight end Bennett Christian (85) stepped in and delivered a punch to Johnson’s gut.

Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom (8) was pulled into a pile of Michigan players. Ohio State defensive tackle Eric Mensah (90) tried to step in and help, but he was shoved and pulled away by Michigan offensive lineman Raheem Anderson (62). Michigan defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny (26) leaped over the pile pinning Ransom down and threw a punch at Mensah but missed. Anderson pulled Mensah to the ground, exchanged jabs with an Ohio State staffer and backed away.

An on-field view of the Michigan flag plant and the altercation with Ohio State that followed pic.twitter.com/If9Ng7ecW0

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 30, 2024

A fight has broken out between Michigan and Ohio State after The Game pic.twitter.com/XPwdAjfYzN

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 30, 2024

Michigan tries to plant the flag mid Carmen Ohio pic.twitter.com/OHv2s7NXy2

— Dave Holmes (@DaveHolmesTV) November 30, 2024

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Ohio State and Michigan police officers arrived to try and break the brawl up, with help from additional local law enforcement. After both sides stayed at each other’s throats, throwing shoves and punches, officers deployed pepper spray on both sides.

Cops distributing pepper spray, good work fellas (via @UMGoBlog) pic.twitter.com/VwcbORG2Is

— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) November 30, 2024

Ohio State police appear to have used pepper spray on players during the brawl

(via @CFBONFOX)https://t.co/FumXdAJzYu pic.twitter.com/nmNFxz7stG

— On3 (@On3sports) November 30, 2024

Ohio State police released the following statement via X after the game:

“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.”

The initial and main fight at midfield wasn’t the only one to break out. Several other skirmishes erupted about the field. Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore took the Block M flag and started parading it about the field looking to plant it again, but Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer ripped it from its staff. Cornerback Davison Igbinosun tried to collect it but Michigan staffer Jason Avant tucked it away and held onto it. More shoving and fighting followed.

Safety Brenten Jones (No. 32) and quarterback Devin Brown (33) led a crowd of Buckeyes who fought with Moore before Ohio State defensive end Dominic Kirks (55) shoved him back toward Michigan’s side, then Hillman (6) stepped in and threw a punch at Kirks. The altercation was at last broken up with help from Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (6) and a few Michigan players including defensive back Zeke Berry (10). 

Michigan linebacker Jason Hewlett (44) can also be seen throwing a punch at Kirks as he surged into Michigan coaches and players. Ohio State cornerback Dianté Griffin (43) and Michigan defensive end Kechaun Bennett (52) grabbed each other’s jerseys and began to throw punches as they shoved back and forth.

Watch the Michigan flag pic.twitter.com/e8jd1sPgCL

— Tim Hanrahan (@TimJHanrahan) November 30, 2024

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Multiple fights breaking out after Michigan takes down Ohio State for the 4th straight year #Buckeyes pic.twitter.com/jURVibT6kG

— Nicole Shearin (@NicoleShearintv) November 30, 2024

A Michigan flag is planted in the center of The Shoe and things get even more heated between Ohio State and Michigan pic.twitter.com/fPcvJ6Z8ND

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 30, 2024

Michigan tried to plant the flag again at midfield, Jack Sawyer ripped it off and threw it. pic.twitter.com/xpU0fWbVof

— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) November 30, 2024

Ohio State’s players stayed mum about the topic, as is probably advised. Quarterback Will Howard declined to comment, while linebacker Cody Simon said he didn’t see much of anything. 

“I heard the commotion late,” Simon said. “I ran in there. We want to stay together as a team. I don’t want to focus on anything about that. Just focusing on trying to regroup and we know there’s more season left for us.”

Michigan coach Sherrone Moore understood the emotions that started the brawl but didn’t condone the actions. He also took some responsibility for his team’s role in it.

“It was emotions on both sides,” Moore said. “I did see they had the flag and guys were waving it around, then their guys charged at us. There was emotion on both sides, (that) can’t happen. Rivalry games get heated, especially this one, it’s the biggest one in the country. So we’ve got to handle that better.”

On the field there was a mix of reactions. Some players knelt to pray.

Amidst the chaos of the fist fights, Ohio State players kneeled down to pray. pic.twitter.com/AjCIjKqsWJ

— Caroline Rice (@carolinerice19) November 30, 2024

Day simply looked on, shocked and stoic.

Ryan Day looks on after a fight breaks out between Michigan and Ohio State pic.twitter.com/doGNxOlZdy

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 30, 2024

The Big Ten and NCAA have not yet released any statements regarding the altercation or potential punishments.

EAST LANSING, Mich. — — Kyle Monangai rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown, Antwan Raymond added two scoring runs and Jai Patel kicked four field goals on Saturday to help Rutgers to a 34-14 victory over Michigan State in the wintry regular-season finale for both teams.

Rutgers scored on eight of its nine possessions in the game that was played in blowing snow and wind chills in the teens.

It is the first time since 2014 that the Scarlet Knights (7-5, 4-5 Big Ten) have registered seven wins in the regular season and the first time that Rutgers has won four Big Ten games.

“I’ll tell you, 7-5 isn’t what we set out to do before the season,” Monangai said. “It’s the first time it’s been done. So it’s history. It’s special. And you know, for guys that came into my class, like we always talked about leaving the place better than we found it. So I’m glad that we can say that our last year we’re able to make a step in the right direction, in a sense, and then leave a mark as a first team to do something.”

The Spartans (5-7, 3-6 Big Ten) lost four of their last five games and failed to earn bowl eligibility for the third consecutive year.

Michigan State opened the scoring on its first possession with Nate Carter’s 25-yard touchdown run. Rutgers responded in five plays with Monangai running for a 7-yard score.

The Scarlett Knights took the lead for good when Patel connected on a 25-yard field goal with 7:29 left in the first quarter. His kick was set up when a snap went through Michigan State punter Ryan Eckley’s hands and was recovered at the 1-yard line.

In the second quarter, Rutgers added a 13-yard touchdown run by Antwan Raymond and a pair of field goals by Patel to go up 23-7.

The Scarlett Knights’ Athan Kaliakmanis tossed a 9-yard touchdown pass to Ian Strong and a two-point conversion pass to KJ Duff in the third quarter and Patel made a 29-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to build the margin to 34-7. The Spartans last touchdown came on Aidan Chiles’ 5-yard throw to Jack Velling. Raymond closed the scoring with a 5-yard touchdown run.

“We didn’t play well enough to earn a win or the chance to continue to play on,” first-year Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith said. “It is going to take work to get this to a better place. We’ve had definite ups and downs. We got to get it going. We got to get better; that starts with the coaches.”

The game was slightly delayed with 3:38 remaining in the first half when Spartan defensive back Jaylen Thompson was carted off the field after his head appeared to hit the ground while tackling Monangai along the sidelines. Smith said after the game that Thompson was evaluated and is in concussion protocol.

The takeaway

Rutgers: After the Spartans took a brief lead, the Scarlett Knights controlled all phases of the game. The defense prevented Michigan State from moving the ball, the offense was able to convert seven of 13 third downs and special teams hit all four of its field goal attempts.

““I think we’re getting better and better, and to close out the regular season, the way we did as a team, not just offensively, as a team, was awesome,” said Kaliakmanis, who completed 13 of 22 passes for 137 yards. “And I think it’s only going to keep improving.”

Michigan State: The Spartans continued to struggle on defense. They failed to put pressure on the quarterback and could not get off the field. Michigan State totaled only one sack and Rutgers ran 70 plays.

Up next

Rutgers: Rutgers awaits its bowl destination.

Michigan State: Michigan State waits to learn whether there are any bowl spots remaining for 5-7 teams.

——

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Vice President-elect JD Vance commended his Ohio State Buckeyes after their shocking loss to rival Michigan Saturday. The internet was not so kind in response. 

Vance posted on X, saying the Buckeyes played like “champions” and that he’s “proud of them.” 

“To the OSU seniors on that team: I know it sucks to lose four to Michigan, but for your entire college career you guys have conducted yourselves like champions. I speak for nearly all of us fans when I say: we’re proud of you!” Vance wrote. 

The Buckeyes blew the game as 21-point favorites, losing to their top rival for the fourth straight time. Michigan’s 2024 team is the worst the program has fielded in years, entering the game with a 6-5 record. 

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Entering the game, Ohio State was ranked No. 2 with a record of 10-2 and was vying for a spot in the Big 10 championship game and a College Football Playoff berth. Now both of those goals are in question for coach Ryan Day and his team. 

The Buckeyes were also involved in a brawl with Michigan players after the game. 

OHIO STATE LOSES TO MICHIGAN FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT YEAR IN HUGE UPSET; PLAYOFF STATUS NOW UP IN THE AIR

Vance was the recipient of plenty of shots for his pledged loyalty to the team in response. 

“Ohio State sucks and so do you!” one user wrote. 

Another user said Vance’s post prompted him to rethink his approval of Vance as Trump’s VP pick. 

“First time I’ve disagreed with JD in a [minute], maybe Trump should have went a different route for the VP role!” the user wrote. 

Players scrum at midfield after Saturday’s game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines. (Imagn)

Another user questioned Vance praising players who would start a postgame brawl. 

“‘Conducted yourselves like champions’ didn’t they just get into a brawl that resulted in Michigan players being pepper sprayed because they were sore losers?” the user wrote. 

Several law enforcement officers were also involved in breaking up the fight. Videos shared on social media appeared to show players being pepper sprayed, and both Michigan and Ohio State players appeared to be in pain from it.  

In the immediate aftermath of the fight, Michigan running back Kalel Mullings told FOX Sports in an on-field interview the incident was “bad for the sport.”

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“It was such a great game. You hate to see stuff like that happen after the game. Bad for the sport, bad for college football. But, at the end of the game, they gotta learn how to lose, man. You can’t be fighting and stuff just because you lost a game.”

Vance previously revealed he had told Trump his loyalty to the Buckeyes could affect Trump’s chances of winning the key battleground state of Michigan.

“When he first asked me to be a VP, I was like, ‘Well, you know, hopefully we don’t lose Michigan by like 900 votes, because you’re going to regret it. ‘Cause it’s probably just a thousand p—ed-off Wolverine fans who wouldn’t vote for a Buckeye,” Vance said during an appearance on OutKick’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show.” 

“But I think that most Michiganders are going to be able to put sports rivalries aside and put the country first, which is what, of course, all of us believe is the most important thing.”

The Democratic National Committee attempted to exploit Vance’s connection to Ohio State with a campaign strategy in Michigan in early September. The DNC flew a plane over a Michigan football game Sept. 7 with a banner that said, “J.D. Vance [loves] Ohio State [plus] Project 2025.” 

Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, the Republican vice presidential nominee, introduces Former President Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, during a rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center July 27, 2024, in St Cloud, Minn. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

The Trump-Vance ticket ended up easily carrying Michigan.

Vance also suggested in that interview that Trump and Vance would attend Saturday’s game if they won the election.

“Well, let’s go to the Ohio State-Michigan game, assuming we win, because I bet I can get some pretty sweet tickets as the VP-elect, and we’ll be in a celebratory mood,” Vance said on OutKick. “And, look, it’s, it’s going to be a big game this year. I think it’s going to determine ultimate seeding in the College Football Playoff. 

“I mean, now both teams might actually make the playoff. I know Michigan’s, you know, sort of people aren’t putting them as high this year, but you never know, because it’s always a good program. So, we’ll see, guys. I’m feeling very good about the Buckeyes. I’m feeling very good about the Bengals.”

Neither Trump nor Vance attended Saturday’s Ohio State-Michigan game. 

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