I can't say for certain what really occurred, but the reports leave the impression with me that there was a fair amount of mouthing off going on outside of Bryan Hall even before the brawl, apparently begun by the two Palestinian male students, who are not exactly athletic looking. Brass knuckles are not legally sold as a weapon here (but you can get one as a "paperweight"). The three football players are fairly brawny as you might expect. One of the Palestinians has been appearing at vigils and getting face time with the local news, seems to be of an activist mentality.
I played at Catawba college for a year and I tell you truthfully that on the freshmen hall we had a fight a week just because, damn we were young highly aggressive guys. No one ever got seriously hurt but there was plenty of blood and bruises. You are absolutely correct!