Students rushing the field after a big win is a long-standing tradition in college football. Two weeks ago, after Syracuse upset Virginia Tech, hundreds of SU fans flooded the Carrier Dome turf.

Security did little to stop the fans, focusing its attention on protecting goal posts that fans traditionally take down.

The level of security may change after two incidents last weekend during celebrations at Marshall and Minnesota.

‘Onfield celebrations put people in danger,’ Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said. ‘We are on the verge of a tragedy if we don’t take the necessary action to protect players and coaches, particularly on the visiting team.’

Thursday night after Marshall’s last-second win over Miami (Ohio), in Huntington, W.Va., Miami defensive coordinator Jon Wauford was arrested for allegedly pushing to the ground and injuring 36-year-old fan Robert A. Flaugher. Wauford claimed he was trying to stop the fan from harming Miami players. Wauford is currently suspended with pay pending an investigation.

Miami head coach Terry Hoeppner said last Thursday’s situation presents a dilemma for security officials balancing safety concerns with celebration.

‘If you could keep fans off the field, it would be great,’ Marshall coach Bob Pruett said. ‘But at the same time, everybody looks for enthusiasm at home, so it’s a double-edged sword.’

Carr and Ohio State coach Jim Tressel addressed the need for crowd control when their teams meet this weekend in front of nearly 100,000 fans in Columbus, Ohio. Carr expressed concerns about the danger his team would be placed in if thousands of Ohio State students rushed the field.

Tressel said he hopes fans will act responsibly, but realistically, no amount of security could stop a crowd that large from entering the field.

‘Obviously, safety is a huge concern,’ Tressel said. ‘All of us had a huge wake-up call on Sept. 11. Safety and security got put back into the forefront as it should be.’

At the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Iowa fans rushed the field while celebrating a Hawkeyes’ win over Minnesota.

After Iowa finished its perfect Big Ten season, Hawkeye fans rushed the field, angering many Minnesota fans and presenting a bizarre scene as Iowa fans tore down the goal posts and attempted to take them out of the Metrodome’s revolving doors.

University of Iowa officials said they will pay $5,000 to replace the goalposts.

Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker said he understands the safety concerns but appreciates enthusiastic fans, even if they decide to hop on the field.

‘We’ve got great fans,’ Parker said. ‘I enjoy these kind of fans, the rowdier the better. I think that’s great.”

Expect some goal posts to fall if upsets occur this weekend.

***

No. 12 Michigan (+4.5) at No. 2 Ohio State

Saturday, 12:15 p.m., ABC

This is the big game of the week.

Ohio State comes into this game undefeated and in line to play for the national championship. The Buckeyes barely won the last two games, outlasting Purdue and Illinois on the road. But they come into Saturday’s game with a chance to win a share of the Big Ten championship with Iowa and earn a spot in the Fiesta Bowl — the national championship game.

Expect Ohio State to outlast the Wolverines and play for its first national championship since 1968.

Pick: Ohio State 24, Michigan 17

***

Washington (+8.5) at No. 3 Washington State

Saturday, 6:30 p.m., No TV

The game for the Apple Cup and state bragging rights features two of the most prolific passers in the country.

Washington State’s Heisman hopeful, Jason Gesser, has thrown a touchdown in 22 consecutive games, and Washington quarterback Cody Pickett has already set the all-time Pac-10 record for passing yards in a season with 3,818 yards.

The Cougars can move into position for a Fiesta Bowl berth with a win and a loss by either Miami or Ohio State.

Pick: Washington State 45, Washington 35

***

No. 17 Pittsburgh (+20) at No. 1 Miami

Tonight, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Remember what happened last year when Syracuse traveled to the Orange Bowl thinking it could beat the undefeated Hurricanes?

The Hurricanes drubbed the Orangemen, 59-0. Though Pitt fills SU’s role as the Big East’s surprise team, Miami is clearly the best team in the country.

With an upset, the Panthers would cause chaos for the BCS.

But the Hurricanes will show why they haven’t lost a game in two years by rolling over Pitt.

Pick: Miami 38, Pittsburgh 14

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No. 24 Texas Tech (+13) at No. 4 Oklahoma

Saturday, 7 p.m., TBS

This game pits one of the nation’s top defenses against an elite quarterback.

The Sooner defense must contend with Red Raiders’ signal-caller Kliff Kingsbury, who threw six touchdown passes in last week’s home upset over Texas. In the process, Kingsbury became the sixth player in NCAA history to throw for 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in the same season.

Pick: Oklahoma 28, Texas Tech 21

***

Minnesota (+7) at Wisconsin

Saturday, noon, ESPN

In this rivalry, the winner picks up Paul Bunyan’s Axe and parades it around the field after the game.

Though neither team is ranked, this game always brings extra intensity.

Look for the home-field advantage of Camp Randall Stadium to put the axe in the Badgers’ hands.

Pick: Wisconsin 38, Minnesota 28

Published on November 20, 2002 at 12:00 pm