Michigan protects logo as OSU players hint at flag-planting after win

After Michigan's 27-9 loss to Ohio State on Saturday, Nov. 29 in Ann Arbor, various Buckeye players appeared ready to plant a scarlet-and-red flag on the midfield "Block M" logo at Michigan Stadium.

Michigan players and staffers were prepared, however, as the Buckeyes were turned into the tunnel with the midfield logo left untarnished by an opponent's flag.

"We can't let that happen," said Michigan running back Bryson Kuzdzal of the incident following the game.

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Ohio State players spent several minutes after the final whistle greeting their fans near the south end zone, taking pictures and celebrating their win, while players, coaches and staffers representing Michigan hung out around midfield waiting for the Buckeyes to enter the tunnel.

Some Ohio State players then appeared to slowly approach midfield, with at least two players (defensive backs Davison Igbinosun and Devin Sanchez) carrying a scarlet banner headed towards the yellow "Block M" logo.

Various Ohio State staffers appeared to block their players, however, guiding them towards the stadium's midfield tunnel as many Michigan players and staffers guarded the logo.

After the game, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles provided a thought that seemed to contradict the feelings surrounding the postgame interaction.

"Before this game, we talked about not caring what happened in the past, saying this team is different, and going out there and playing for the love of your brother, not for the hate of another team," he said.

One could be convinced that Ohio State's "hate of another team" was on full display after the game, however.

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The incident recalled last year's game, when several Michigan players planted a maize-and-blue Michigan flag on the midfield logo at Ohio Stadium in Columbus following the Wolverines' 13-10 upset victory. The flag-planting kicked off a massive brawl at midfield, which prompted a police response.

It seems Michigan players and officials were ready for a rehash of the incident on Saturday, however.

"We didn't know if they were going to or not, but if they were trying to, they weren't going to," said Kuzdzal, trying to suppress a smile.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan players on OSU flag planting: 'We can't let that happen'