Amid a heated Rivalry Weekend in college football, the fallout from intense matchups has led to discussions about sportsmanship and rivalry customs. Notably, following Michigan’s surprising win over Ohio State, the aftermath included not just celebration but a scuffle that resulted in police using pepper spray to disperse the tense situation between players.
Baker Mayfield, quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and former Heisman Trophy winner, weighed in on the culture of flag planting in college football—a practice he famously initiated during his time at Oklahoma. Reflecting on this weekend’s events, Mayfield stated that celebratory flag planting is an accepted part of college rivalries and discouraged teams from engaging in fights after losses.
“This is all part of college football. You take your loss and move on,” he emphasized. Mayfield also highlighted that schools like Oklahoma and Texas have long engaged in similar celebrations without adverse consequences. However, he cautioned against attempts to ban such traditions, likening it to prohibiting the “horns down” gesture in the Big 12 conference.
The rivalry spirit was evident not just in the Michigan-Ohio State clash but across other contests as well, including NC State against North Carolina and Florida versus Florida State. Each of these games saw incidents of players planting flags, with some leading to postgame altercations. In response to the fracas between Michigan and Ohio State, both schools were fined $100,000 by the Big Ten Conference.
While some argue for stricter regulations around flag planting to mitigate violence, Mayfield advocates keeping these spirited traditions alive. He believes these rivalries are essential to the college football experience, encouraging a sense of camaraderie and competition that defines the sport.
In conclusion, while the intense rivalries can lead to confrontations, they also embody the passion and excitement inherent in college football. Maintaining a focus on sportsmanship and respecting traditions can help preserve the integrity and spirit of the game while allowing passionate expressions of rivalry to flourish.