Ryan Day defends Ohio State players after post-game fight against Michigan State

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day defended his players after: a massive brawl that broke out in midfield after the Buckeyes were upset by Michigan on Saturday’s edition of The Game.

The altercation began when Michigan State players tried to plant an M flag in the O block at the 50-yard line, but were interrupted by OSU players trying to stop them, leading to a huge brawl that involved police and left several players and other bystanders soaking wet in pepper spray.

“I don’t know all the details,” Day said when asked about his players’ actions.

“But I know these guys want to put the flag on our field and our guys weren’t going to let that happen.”

Day added: “I will find out exactly what happened, but this is our pitch and we are certainly embarrassed that we lost the game, but there are some proud guys on our team who weren’t just going to let that happen.”

One of those proud guests was Ohio State defensive star Jack Sawyer, who snatched the M flag from an opposing player, prompting a roar of approval from the fans remaining in the stands.

Sawyer returned to Ohio State for his senior season in large part for the opportunity to beat Michigan, but instead he and the rest of his class will leave the school with an 0-4 record against the Wolverines.

Photos from the Fox broadcast appeared to show players and others on the field were sprayed, and one bystander was seen bleeding as he tried to escape the melee.

“I don’t know, I know all that right now,” Day said when asked about possible injuries. “A few things happened there, some crazy things, but I think everyone is fine.”

He added: “I just spoke to the team after the game and again, without knowing all the details, there are some proud lads on our team who are not going to just sit back and watch this happen.”

What happened on the field should impact the future prediction of the College Football Playoff selection committee, as Ohio State was eliminated from the Big Ten championship game in a loss.

This week, the Buckeyes were the projected No. 5 seed and hosted a first-round game against projected No. 12 seed Arizona State.

And while Saturday’s loss shouldn’t completely knock Ohio State out of the playoffs, it could force the team to play a first-round road game in the next few weeks.

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