Big Ten’s Punishment Decision on Ohio State Has Major Playoff Implications

Saturday’s Big Ten rivalry matchup between the unranked Michigan Wolverines and No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes ended with an ugly scene at Ohio Stadium.

After the final whistle blew on Michigan’s 13-10 victory over Ryan Day and the home-team Buckeyes, several Wolverines went to plant their flag on Ohio State’s midfield logo.

The Buckeyes took offense to this gesture, sparking a massive postgame brawl at The Shoe. The altercation got very physical, and ultimately resulted in players getting pepper sprayed by police.

When this incident went down on Saturday afternoon, many Ohio State fans became concerned about potential suspensions for involved players.

The Big Ten announced its punishment decision on Sunday evening. Both the University of Michigan and Ohio State University were fined $100,000 for their respective roles in the brawl.

The Big Ten Conference has closed the book on this incident and considers the matter concluded.

There will be no suspensions for either team.

This decision has massive implications on the Buckeyes’ likely upcoming College Football Playoff appearance.

Under the old playoff model, this season-ending loss would’ve eliminated Ohio State from College Football Playoff contention. But with this year’s expanded 12-team format, the 10-2 Buckeyes have an opportunity to make a postseason run as a higher seed.

If any suspensions were handed down following this brawl, the punishment would’ve kicked in for the Buckeyes’ first-round playoff game. But following the Big Ten’s punishment decision, Ohio State will be at full strength when they take the field for the College Football Playoff later this month.