Madison Firle
(Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
In recent weeks, numerous college football teams engaged in brawls and fights after attempting to plant their flag [tk].
During college football’s rivalry week, Michigan, Ohio State, Florida State, Florida, NC State, UNC, Arizona State, and Arizona were all involved in a scuffle over the winning team attempting to plant their team’s flag.
Here’s a recap of all the incidents that occurred due to flag planting this weekend.
Florida State vs. Florida:
(Courtesy AP Photo/ Colin Hackley)
After a long-anticipated game, the Florida Gators traveled to the Florida State Seminoles for a rivalry game. During the game, things were heating up on the sidelines-players were trash-talking, pushing, and shoving. It was only moments before it escalated into a full-on brawl.
After the Gators handed the Seminoles a loss, the Gators’ defensive end, George Gumbs Jr pinned his team’s flag on the Florida State’s logo in the center of the field.
However, the flag did not stand long. After a few minutes, the flag was quickly taken by Seminoles players.
The Gators’ head coach, Billy Napier told ESPN, “Obviously, what happened there at the end of the game is not who we want to be as a program.”
Michigan vs. Ohio State:
(Courtesy Getty Images)
“The Game” is a rivalry that dates back to the 19th century between Michigan and Ohio State. Going into the matchup, Ohio State was ranked No. 2 in college football until Michigan came in and shocked the nation.
After winning 13-10 for their fourth straight victory, players began to scuffle midfield leading to Michigan players attempting to plant their flag midfield on Ohio State’s logo. Ohio State players and faculty stormed at them to try and prevent them from doing such a thing.
“Following the game, officers from multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in breaking up an on-field altercation,” the OSUPD statement read.
NC State vs. UNC:
(Courtesy Packinsider.com)
Same theme, different stadium. North Carolina(NC) State defeated the University of North Carolina (UNC) 35-30 in a close game and for NC State’s fourth consecutive win against UNC in their annual rivalry game.
After the win, NC State players attempted to plant the flag in the middle of UNC’s logo midfield. UNC wide receiver JJ Jones quickly tried to stop it and snatched the flag before it even reached the turf.
It was this attempt that started the fight between NC State and UNC players.
“We don’t need any of that,” said NC State head coach Dave Doeren. “That’s bad for the game…it was hard to play. It was hard to play smart today. There was a lot of stuff going on between the whistles with their guys. That’s the unfortunate part of the game.”
Arizona vs Arizona State:
Last but not least, Arizona Wildcats vs Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium, home of the Arizona State Sun Devils. After the Sun Devils defeated the Wildcats 49-7, the Sun Devils didn’t just plant a flag they got a little more creative with it. They planted a pitchfork on Arizona’s logo. Fortunately, there were no fights besides the brief interaction about the pitchfork.
These recent incidents highlight the tension between celebration and football. For some, planting a flag could be seen as a symbol of victory, but for others, it’s a sign of disrespect that can fuel unnecessary conflict.
College football rivalry week remains a tradition fueled by intense emotion and competitiveness. Let’s continue to honor the spirit of the rivalry by celebrating victories with respect and remaining focused on the game of football.
So what do you think…Should players be allowed to plant flags after a win against the opposing team?
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