Maryland fans are passionate people that just so happen to have an annoying tendency to riot after big wins. After beating Duke last March, students ran over to Route 1 and began wrecking havoc in a unparalleled rage of fury that resulted in dozens of arrests and alleged excessive force by Prince George's County police. To prevent that from happening again, student leaders have teamed up with city officials and police to try to organize those rioting tendencies into something harmless and safe.
↵The end result? Something called "Beat Duke Week," which culminates in a post-game bonfire. The goal is to foster sportsmanship and peaceful celebration, according to officials.
↵↵↵↵↵[Alumna Danita] Nias said events in the days leading up to the game - "aimed at celebrating a ... win in traditional ways" - will create constructive avenues for students to channel their enthusiasm.
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Right. Because if I've learned anything from being a recent college student, a poster contest, viewing party and post-game bonfire are nowhere near as cool as getting way too drunk and burning things. Well, at least in the mind of your typical college student.
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