By Casey Laughman
The Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Rowdy Ohio State fans swarmed Ohio Stadium's field on Saturday, throwing pieces of sod and climbing onto the south goal post moments after the Buckeyes defeated Michigan 14-9.

Fans at first had high-fived and slapped players on the back after the Buckeyes clinched their first 13-0 season and a trip to the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Ariz., on Jan. 3.

"We are just so proud of just not only the fact our guys won, but how they won. The way they've won has been great for college football," coach Jim Tressel said.

Ohio State marching band members stood shoulder to shoulder with singing fans and played "Carmen Ohio," the alma mater, shortly after an interception with no time left preserved the victory.

As more fans rushed the field and pushed toward the south goal post, officers released pepper spray. Some people threw clumps of sod at the officers, while others said they were taking chunks of grass to sell on the Internet.

Some fans eventually climbed the goal post, rocking it and unsuccessfully trying to take it down. Officers formed a line across the field, and people started filing out of the stadium.

At least a dozen small fires were reported near campus after the game, police said. Trash bins had been ignited, along with furniture in the streets.

Eight people were arrested, for disorderly conduct and open container violations, police said.

Police said the crowds began getting more rowdy after midnight. At about 12:45 a,m., officers used tear gas and wooden pellets known as "knee-knockers" to disperse a crowd of several hundred people in an area just east of campus.

Police spokeswoman Sherry Mercurio said a number of cars were set on fire. She said there also were reports of people driving through the area and having their cars pelted with debris.

Fans had partied for hours before the 99th match in the storied rivalry. They chanted and cheered any reference to the Buckeyes, while heckling those brave enough to show up in Michigan maize and blue.

During the game, crowds packed nearby streets and parking lots, intently watching the game on giant outdoor screens and television sets, many people silent except for a cheer or groan after each play.

Mark Lieser's 25-inch TV was hooked to a generator under a tree in a prime spot north of the stadium, drawing crowds of up to 30 people at a time.

"I had tickets for every game except this one," said Lieser, 31, of suburban Dublin, who staked out his spot at 7:30 a.m.

Beneath the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, the parking lots and sidewalks were littered with broken beer and liquor bottles.

The traditional pre-Michigan "kegs and eggs" breakfast started about 6 a.m. at a bar across the street from campus, and parties continued throughout campus.

Some Wolverine fans had to walk by Michigan effigies, one by a car in a restaurant parking lot and another hanging from the second-floor balcony of a student apartment.

"I'm feeling kind of brave today," said Matt Spryszak as Ohio State fans walked past screaming epithets. Spryszak, 20, lives in Bowling Green in northwest Ohio, but grew up in Michigan.

Afterward, Spryszak and his friends quietly headed to their car.

"I'm surprised nothing's been thrown at us," said Alan Jones, 20, in the game's final seconds. "We'll be all right."

At a tailgate near the stadium, some Michigan fans contradicted pregame concern that their rivals would be too rowdy.

"It's just amazing how cordial the people are here," said Gary Patterson, 35, of Chatham, Ontario, wearing a Wolverines sweat shirt and hat. "This is the greatest party atmosphere I've ever seen."

His tiny group of Michigan fans was in their third or fourth year tailgating with the family of former Ohio State player Bob Brudzinski.

"I even let them in my house last night," said Jody Brudzinski, 45, Bob's sister-in-law from Fremont.

Thousands of fans wearing Ohio State scarlet lined streets just north of the stadium about an hour before the game that began shortly after noon, forcing police to divide their time between directing traffic and ordering pedestrians back to the sidewalks.

Fans wore various hats: plush buckeyes, Ohio stadium replicas and foam tortilla chips - representing the Tostitos-sponsored Fiesta Bowl, site of this year's national championship.

Even a motorcycle officer leading two vans toward the center of campus got in the spirit, with a replica Buckeye helmet over his motorcycle helmet and two Ohio State flags flying from the back of the bike.

As Vince Murphy, 36, of Lebanon, walked down a busy street near campus, he pointed to the back of his replica jersey of former linebacker Chris Spielman and screamed, "Spielman for president!" - drawing cheers.