As the Ohio State Buckeyes attempt to tame the University of Michigan Wolverines tomorrow, football fans will be cooped up in bars, homes or Ann Arbor itself anxiously watching the fate of the national champions come to light.
The reputation of the university is at stake, riding less on OSU winning or losing, but more on how the fans will react to it. Last year’s victory ended in a riotous disaster. While fans should have perpetuated the momentous win, instead ruined it by burning cars and overtaking the streets. Suddenly, OSU beating Michigan became forgotten, while national coverage plastered images of police shooting rubber bullets and tear gas in a sea of student mayhem.
But a year has passed with a fresh competition ahead. Fans have a chance to restore the image that makes OSU football so great. Gathering and celebrating is what watching the game is all about, and the season has proven this is possible – without police in riot gear and property being destroyed. If students continue to keep their parties inside, legal, and off public property, like at this year’s Homecoming, tomorrow could make for a very memorable day and night – in a good way.
The past two days OSU made national headway to combat rioting across the country. The university is hosting an anti-celebratory riot conference along with the University of Minnesota and the United States Defense Department. A gathering of academic think tanks, joined by some students, are meeting to discuss the causes and effects of rioting, and possible solutions to prevent future riots from tainting campus life. By being safe and partying responsibly tomorrow, students can preserve the message of the conference and become part of the solution – not the problem.
The police will be there to help. Although partying may seem difficult with large amounts of police patrolling the area, fans must remember officers are there to serve as safety keepers, not just law enforcers. Because of OSU’s previous track record from last year, police presence should all be expected. In turn, if students show police respect they should anticipate receiving the same sentiment in return – as long as no laws are being broken.
As students, college is the time to celebrate and embrace the freedom to do so. Have the house parties, just don’t invite you’re 400 closest friends. Remember the basics: drink responsibly, think before you act and – above all – be safe.
