It seems whenever a college football team pulls an upset or topples a rival opponent, students flood the field as if it's a massive jail break or a beer giveaway.
While it looks like harmless fun, that's not always the case.
Utah fans put their team in danger of losing when they rushed the field three times at the end of a game against in-state rival BYU earlier this season. The first two rushes were premature, and the Utes were penalized 15 yards on the second, giving BYU a second shot at a field goal to tie the score with no time left. BYU missed that second attempt, officially sealing Utah's 24-21 triumph, and a sea of red crashed onto midfield.
When Stanford beat No. 2 USC on the Farm last month, fans stormed the joint. The tables were turned the next game when the Cardinal, ranked eighth, lost at unranked Washington, and Huskies faithful flooded CenturyLink Field in Seattle.
From a distance, it looks like a harmless celebration, but inside the human cyclone, it could be a recipe for injury or disaster.
Fans are often trampled or injured falling or jumping from the stands to the field. Others are injured when goal posts are brought crashing down.
Schools prefer that the fans stay off the field, but security is woefully outnumbered when there are tens of thousands determined to get onto the turf.
Is there a rowdy etiquette amid the chaos? How about this: Don't overdo it. One rush a season max, and only if the game is close at the end.
What to watch
Baseball, wild-card playoffs, 2:07 p.m., 5:37 p.m., TBS: American and National League wild cards play do-or-die games.
Today's poll
Should college fans be allowed to rush the field?
• Yes, it's great for spirit.
• No, it's tacky, risks injuries.
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Wednesday's results
How do you characterize the A's?
• Potential World Series champs: 57%
• Improving, but not among best: 27%
• Mediocre, but got hot, lucky: 16%
Total votes: 232
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