Eric Boggs
The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, already one of the most storied in sports, added another chapter to its history last month. After Michigan’s victory in Columbus, emotions boiled over when Michigan players planted their flag at midfield. Ohio State’s defensive lineman, Jack Sawyer, made it clear he wouldn’t stand for it, sparking a heated confrontation that became the talk of college football. The Big Ten has since fined both schools $100,000 for violating its sportsmanship policy, but the debate over whether Sawyer’s actions were justified rages on.
As the Wolverines celebrated their upset win, they made their way to the 50-yard line to stake their claim — literally. The sight of Michigan’s players planting their flag at Ohio Stadium struck a nerve with Buckeyes fans, and none more so than Sawyer, a senior and team captain. In a moment of raw emotion, Sawyer rushed to defend his home turf, escalating an already tense situation.
For Sawyer, this wasn’t just about a football game. It was about respect, pride, and protecting what he’d poured years of blood, sweat, and tears into. “Jack Sawyer’s reaction made sense in the heat of the moment,” said Zack Gugenheim, host of The Big Ten Football Talk Podcast. “When you’ve given everything to this program and see that level of disrespect, it’s hard to just stand by.”
One notable aspect of the flag-planting incident was its orchestration. A Michigan staff member was seen handing the flag to a player, suggesting premeditation. This detail has further polarized opinions, with some viewing it as a bold statement and others as an unnecessary provocation.
The Big Ten Conference responded swiftly, fining both Ohio State and Michigan $100,000 each. The conference’s statement emphasized that the actions of both teams jeopardized safety and violated fundamental elements of sportsmanship. While the fines were seen as a “slap on the wrist” by many, they sent a clear message: incidents like this won’t be tolerated.
Zack Gugenheim agreed with the league’s decision, stating, “The fines are enough to get their attention without overstepping. It’s important to address the issue but not escalate it unnecessarily.”
However, some critics argued that the penalties were insufficient. They called for stricter sanctions, such as suspensions or additional disciplinary measures, to deter similar behavior in the future. “This was more than just a heated moment; it was a calculated move that crossed the line,” one commentator noted.
ESPN analyst and Ohio State alum Kirk Herbstreit also weighed in, calling for more severe consequences. He suggested that any players involved in escalating the situation should face suspensions. This didn’t sit well with many Buckeye fans, who have long felt Herbstreit’s professionalism comes at the expense of supporting his alma mater.
“It’s ironic,” said podcast host Eric Boggs. “Herbstreit works for a network that profits off the rivalry’s intensity but then takes the moral high ground when things boil over.” He contrasted Herbstreit’s measured tone with that of Desmond Howard, who openly champions Michigan at every turn.
Social media erupted after the game, with opinions divided. A post by The OHIO Podcast asking whether Sawyer’s actions were justified drew over 1,800 comments. Many fans supported Sawyer, arguing that he was defending his home.
“Absolutely, he was protecting his home,” commented one fan. “Why is this even debatable?”
Others took a more measured view, suggesting that while Sawyer’s actions were understandable, restraint might have been the better course. “You’re free to plant the flag, but you’re also free to face the consequences,” wrote another commenter.
Some fans pointed to the broader context of the rivalry, noting that incidents like this are a reflection of its deep-rooted intensity. “This is what makes college football special,” one commenter said. “The emotions, the passion, the history — it’s all part of the game.”
The flag-planting incident is reminiscent of other iconic moments in this rivalry, like the infamous tearing down of Michigan’s “Go Blue” banner decades ago. For Boggs, this was simply the latest evolution of an age-old feud.
“This will be a moment we talk about for years, just like our fathers talked about the banner,” Boggs said. “It’s part of what makes this rivalry great.”
Some analysts believe this moment will add fuel to the fire for future matchups. With both teams consistently competing at a high level, the rivalry shows no signs of cooling off. “Expect to see this clip replayed during pregame hype videos for years to come,” noted college football analyst Laura Reynolds.
As the dust settles, the focus will eventually return to football. But for now, the flag-planting saga has reignited the passion of fans and players alike. Whether you see Jack Sawyer as a defender of tradition or an instigator, one thing is clear: the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is as intense as ever. And in college football, that’s exactly how it should be.
