Sports bring out the best in everyone regardless of who you root for.
Subtle jabs in group chats, media, the whole bit. Allow me to breakdown
how rivalries are needed in college sports. It's been the topic of
discussion this week in players planted their flags or props in enemy
territory. We witnessed how ugly the Ohio State versus Michigan game
played out as the Wolverines were a 20.5 point underdog and beat Ohio
State 13-10 in Columbus.
A skirmish broke out as players from both sides traded punches as
Wolverine players made it four in a row. While planting the "M" logo flag
in midfield. Pepper spray was used to break-up the fight and both
schools ended up being fined for their actions. Let's fly down to Doak
Campbell Stadium, as instate rivals Florida and Florida State got into a
skirmish after the Gators defeated the uninspired Seminoles.
In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, tempers flared as North Carolina State
defeated the Tar Heels in Mack Brown's farewell game. A player from
UNC took the Wolf Pack's flag and tossed it to the sidelines as both
teams put fists up and started throwing punches. Talk about the peak
levels of anger losing and going Tommy Oliver in a 1 vs 5 battle with the
other Power Rangers with no remorse. That was a reference to my
generation who grew up watching Mighty Morphing Power Rangers and
the "Green With Evil" mini-series in which introduced Tommy Oliver;
while highjacking the Megazord and battling each one by himself.
Out to the valley, where another instate rival took place between Arizona
versus Arizona State as the Sun Devils planted the Triton in the
Wildcats end zone. You wanna know the truth of it all folks, this is what
makes college sports great. Players live for these moments as seniors
winning a rivalry game to send their opponents back home with ugly
memories until the following season. As a fan, nothing is more exciting
than seeing players being competitive and anticipating that moment of
saying: "mission accomplished, I defeated my rival school in the last
year of my collegiate career."
My only drawback is when excessive force is used to combat
skirmishes. It can be dangerous in part of innocent players trying to get
off the field and making ways to their respected exits. Pepper spray
being used in the Buckeyes/Wolverines incident could've caused
injuries and damaged their draft stock. You know the energy is high and
testosterone levels juiced up every big play. The game itself is bigger
than anything and bragging rights on deck.
It's no different than the University of Tennessee Volunteers lifting the
goal post out the end zone. Marching down the street and tossing into
the river not too far from the Neyland Stadium. This to me is the
greatest act of sportsmanship in college football. After defeating
Alabama in 2022, it was a great moment for their program. Enjoyable,
entertaining and comical as Vols fans threw years of misery away after
defeating the SEC powerhouse in Alabama. No harm done, an epic
moment of relief which lasted well into the next day.
I'm all for big rivalries in college sports and celebrations. If you don't
want that to take place on your field, win the game. Simple context and
knowing how embarrassing it'll be upon defeat. School officials have
been around long enough to understand the legacies of big time rivalry
games. In the age of social media, this generation will always have their
mobile devices on hand.
If it resorts to violent incidents, yes I say punishment needs to be
handled accordingly. Fans in the stands should be more respectful, but
once they're a few beers and hot dogs in, nobody is safe. Casual fans
who are showing mutual respect usually end up the ones in danger.
Players are subject to harm if they're trying to deescalate the matter.
One way or another, heated rivalries can be fun, tense and when
testosterone levels are very high, expect an all out fight if the results
don't go their way.
In the end, nothing is more satisfying than rivalry games. Fans eat,
sleep and breathe these regular season finales. If your school or team
wins, you've earned the right to brag. Losing is numb and subtle until
the following season. Nevertheless, it's apart of college sports and
nothing will ever take it away.
Stai tuned.
