Police in riot gear used tear gas to break up crowds of revelers in Columbus early Tuesday after Ohio State’s national title win over the Oregon Ducks.
At least a dozen small fires were reported after thousands poured out of bars to celebrate the Buckeyes’ victory, authorities said.
Columbus Police Department spokeswoman Denise Alex-Bouzounis told NBC News that about 8,000 students forced their way into The Horseshoe stadium and tore down a goal post.
She described the crowds as being « intense » after the game.
Three canisters of tear gas were used in front of the Ohio Union at around 1:15 a.m. local time, the Columbus Dispatch reported, emptying the surrounding area of most revelers. It said officers also used pepper spray on many party-goers shortly after midnight, with some leaving the area « with stinging eyes and runny noses. »
A police dispatcher told NBC News officers were called to multiple reports of dumpster and couch fires in the streets around the Ohio State University campus.
Alex-Bouzounis confirmed that a « handful » of arrests were made. « Our officers should be commended for their diligence and professionalism. »
The Buckeyes won 42-20 as Ezekiel Elliott had 246 yards on 36 carries and scored four touchdowns.