COLUMBUS, Ohio – Police arrested nearly 40 people and dozens of fires were set in student neighborhoods, but authorities reported a relatively smooth night following No. 1 Ohio State's 42-39 win over second-ranked Michigan.
The roughly 40 fires were set mostly on cars and furniture, along with a few in trash bins, said Lt. Dan Ranney of the Columbus fire department. Some were set before the game started, he said.
"Believe it or not, this was pretty mild so far, for as big as this game was," Ranney said.
By early Sunday, police had arrested about 40 people in the student areas around campus, including four for arson, said Sgt. Kevin Corcoran.
The city banned parking, emptied trash bins and removed couches from porches in some neighborhoods near campus in hopes of avoiding a repeat of 2002 when fans rioted after Ohio State beat Michigan en route to the national championship.
Rick Amweg, assistant university police chief, said Ohio State officers had made no arrests following the game as of early Sunday.
"We have had a very quiet night on campus," he said.
The win gave undefeated Ohio State its first outright Big Ten title since 1984 and a spot in the national title game on Jan. 8 in Glendale, Ariz. The Wolverines can still make it to the title game if the Bowl Championship Series standings break their way.
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