What is Ohio State football’s security plan at Michigan, and for the Big House tunnel?

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football added some new personnel to the game week experience at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center leading into The Game.

When reporters entered the building for interviews on Tuesday, a police officer stood in the Bigg’s Lobby. Several red coat ushers were also scattered through the hallways around the team room, where Ryan Day and Jim Knowles answered questions, and on the indoor facility, where players spoke.

The extra bodies were, according to an OSU spokesperson, about keeping the halls clear and ensuring an orderly flow. However, that will not be the only beefed-up security presence around the team.

An Ohio State spokesperson confirmed the team will travel with a larger contingent of Ohio State campus police personnel than usual. The team typically has two officers with it at all times for road games. The spokesperson could not confirm how many additional officers will be on this trip.

The reason should be self-explanatory. This trip into hostile territory that grew more so after the Big Ten season Michigan broke scouting rules to steal opponents’ signs over the past few years — and some Wolverine fans’ belief that OSU had some hand in exposing the scheme.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day on Tuesday addressed the need for his team to control its emotions on the field and inside Michigan Stadium. One aspect, though, required a specific strategy.

Michigan Stadium’s long, narrow tunnel connecting the locker rooms to the field has been the site of numerous altercations, including some between the Buckeyes and Wolverines . MLive reported last January that Michigan planned to widen access at the mouth of the tunnel, citing a “thorough safety review” following multiple 2022 incidents. That work was completed prior to the season.

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A 2022 game between Michigan and Michigan State was marred by a fight in the tunnel. Michigan State suspended four players, and a few days later, suspended four more. Three weeks later, criminal charges were brought against seven of the eight — including one felony assault charge. Earlier that season, Penn State coach James Franklin referred to the tunnel as “a problem” after an in-game verbal exchange there between the teams.

Despite Michigan’s alterations to the tunnel, Day said the Buckeyes have planned ahead to avoid any extracurricular activities.

“We’ve had conversations already,” Day said Tuesday. “Folks have been talking about it here for a couple of weeks and putting some good plans together to make sure we can focus on what matters, and that’s getting on the field and playing football.”

The rivals are about to play an edition of The Game as combustible as any its 126-year history. Ohio State hopes these precautions keep the focus on the field.