Dublin, Ohio, resident Deb Papesh laughs as Dublin, Ohio resident Sara Miles tries a drink on Nov. 21, 2015 outside Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio before the OSU/MSU football game.
At times, when people describe Ohio State fans, it can get a bit negative, but the crowd at ESPN's College GameDay couldn't disagree more.
"We live in Cleveland now so we came down for the game and we brought our two-year-old and it’s just been fun," 2002 social relations graduate Laura James said. "It’s really kind of a family atmosphere and just fun to see other State fans and cheer and yell go green and go white to each other.”
James will always love her alma mater, but she has been pleased with the people of Columbus and the atmosphere.
“Nothing compares to East Lansing," James said. "East Lansing will always be home. It’s a little tough with all the Buckeye fans around, but it’s a great atmosphere, a lot of happy faces and everyone’s been really nice.”
Michael Preininger is a 1983 packaging graduate who lives in Columbus now. His dad, older brother and younger brother all graduated from MSU and he raised kids as Spartan fans, but one of his daughters ultimately went to OSU.
“This is really amazing, the energy here today is off the charts," Preininger said. “I’m just here for the atmosphere, the Buckeye fans are pretty good. It’s a wonderful city, for the most part they’re accommodating ... but they really do hate the Wolverines down here, I’m glad I don’t have to wear blue.”
2012 international relations graduate Tom Nally was a huge MSU football fan in his time at the university, he enjoyed Ohio State's GameDay setup, but still prefers the setup in MSU.
“I was a huge football fan, four-year season ticket holder, love the Spartans, love coach Dantonio and the culture he’s created, love Connor Cook, just came out to support our guys," Nally said. “The GameDay area is pretty good. They did a good job, it’s a big open area and the campus is pretty nice — not East Lansing, but it’s decent.”
However, the overwhelming theme from the festivities in Columbus has been the positive attitude of the Buckeyes fans. Former MSU cornerback Amp Campbell's daughter Kiera Campbell is a sophomore sports administration major at Kent State and has developed a newfound respect for OSU fans.
“I grew up on Michigan State’s campus," Campbell said. "I’ve always been a Michigan State fan, but I have a new respect for Ohio State fans because they’ve been so welcoming."
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