As a member of the spirit squad, Brutus Buckeye travels to many events around the university and often makes appearances around Columbus.

A buck deer was contemplated, but, because bringing live animals as mascots was common at the time, this was rejected as impossible.

Hanning failed in his initial sideswiping attempt on Brutus, losing his mascot head in the process.

After the game, Hanning was terminated from his position as Ohio University's mascot, was banned from further affiliation with the school's athletic department, and he dropped out to attend Hocking College.

Ohio University issued an apology, stating they "regret the negative effect [Hanning's actions] may have on the relationship between the two schools".