Florida State was left out of the playoffs last year because one player was out. If Ohio State players get suspended for attacking the Michigan players after the game, should they also be left out of the playoffs? Some of the players involved were significant starters.
I don’t actually have a problem with the flag planting, though I totally agree that it was the catalyst for both the incidents you are referring to. I also honestly don’t really have a problem with Ryan Day’s response, though I understand why people say that it is lame (and I don’t disagree with them either). I don’t even really have a huge problem with the buckeye’s response itself as let’s be honest it was mostly just pushing and jawing, though this aspect is certainly the closest in my eyes the incident is to crossing a line (there were some full swings and that’s passing a line even in my book). But at the end of the day I don’t have a problem with people being emotional about these games and displaying some of those emotions physically (chirping, pushing, flag planting etc). To be clear just because I don’t have a problem with some of the actions, doesn’t mean I don’t understand that they are dangerous and against a set of rules so there absolutely should be some sort of repercussions. I think this also includes the officers that maced people after the scuffle was broken up. I also don’t want it to sound like I’m defending the buckeyes or Day. They come off as losers from this in my eyes, but its also not like flag planting is actually a cool way to celebrate a win. Do something cool like that DIII? match up where the winner points a statue towards their school if they win.
To be clear, I don’t think a team should be left out of the playoffs for something like that. Since it occurs after the game, it seems like a fine to the offending school makes the most sense (and may already exist). Beyond that, maybe a half/whole game suspension for the player and/or coach?
I think fine both schools, have any players that crossed physical lines sit out a half and maybe an extra fine for Day? But I wouldn’t go so far as to ban flag planting. Those cops are off the game staff, no more sideline views for them. I’d still listen to an argument for keeping OSU out of the tournament based solely on on the field arguments though. Anemic doesn’t even begin to describe their presence yesterday and Michigan is not good this year.