Riot activity soured the Ohio State atmosphere early yesterday morning following the emotionally-charged win over the University of Michigan.

“The rioting really makes our school look bad and distracts everyone from our great win,” said Kyle Morgan, a junior in sociology. “They made such a big deal about rioting all week; it may have put ideas in people’s heads.”

Few agree on what led up to the events on Saturday night, but even fewer agree on a possible solution to end disturbances in the university district.

“They should have towed the whole street, at least up to Summit,” said Drew Berlan, a resident on 13th Avenue and a sophomore at Columbus State Community College. “The police were letting us have fun and burn couches, but people took it too far by destroying cars and light poles. It’s too bad a few can ruin the fun for everyone else.”

After the riots broke out, the Columbus police drove away the masses with Mace and knee-knockers.

“They were Macing people for no reason and even whipped our keg at our front door,” Berlan said.

Josh Swihart, a senior in communication and resident of Chittenden Avenue, witnessed much of the disturbances on his street.

“The police closed our street and sprayed wooden bullets to stop people from ripping down trees and burning couches and tables,” Swihart said. “OSU has a precedence for riots, so many do whatever it takes to see a riot. I’m pretty sure many of the rioters weren’t OSU students.”

The ensuing riots held high entertainment value for visiting students, unconcerned with any repercussions the rebellious acts may have on the university.

“It was great, but a little scary,” said Bonnie Metcalf, a student at the University of Toledo. “Around 1:30 a.m., I saw seven cars on fire at Indianola and 13th avenues.”

“It was kind of surprising that more people were running toward the riot at Indianola and 13th avenues than away,” said Cynthia Trent, a student at Case Western University.

Some students said they believe President Karen A. Holbrook may have provoked much of the off-campus uprising.

“She wanted to get rid of alcohol around the stadium, and I know that ticked a lot of fans off,” said Gregg Samtomieri, a senior in psychology. “She just causes too much hate and hostility by trying to control our behavior.”

Samtomieri said citizens, regardless of their OSU affiliation, should attain enough class to act responsibly.

Visit the message boardHow do you feel about the riots or the football game? Click here to sound off in our forum.