The Game: Saturday's Matchup Between Michigan And Ohio State Draws Big Numbers

It was one of the most highly anticipated matchups between Michigan and Ohio State in the history of the rivalry, and the television ratings certainly reflect that.

Saturday's matchup between No. 3 Michigan and No. 2 Ohio State was one of the most anticipated matchups in rivalry history, and the televisions ratings provided by FOX certainly back that up. On Wednesday, FOX announced that a The Game pulled in a whopping 19-million viewers - making it the most-watched regular season college football game on any network since 2011. It was also the most-watched regular season college football game in FOX Sports history, and the rivalry matchup peaked at nearly 23-million viewers. 

Saturday's Ohio State-Michigan matchup scored 19,065,000 viewers on FOX
🏈 Most-watched regular season college football game on any network since 2011
🏈 Most-watched regular season college football game in FOX Sports history
🏈 Peaked at 22,900,000 viewers on FOX pic.twitter.com/e5yQKmHhCZ

— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) November 29, 2023

Saturday's matchup between Michigan and Ohio State is now the second-most watched game in rivalry history, second only to the 2006 matchup that drew in over 21 million viewers. 

From a national perspective, it's not all that hard to see why college football fans from around the country were tuned into the game in Ann Arbor over the weekend. Both teams entered the matchup ranked within the top-four in the CFP rankings, both were considered legitimate national championship contenders, and both knew that a loss would likely knock them out of the playoff picture altogether. Additionally, there was the extra drama surrounding the Michigan Football program due to an NCAA investigation and the suspension of head coach Jim Harbaugh.

All of those factors made for a game that was simply must-see TV.

Fortunately for Michigan fans, the Wolverines once again emerged victorious - now winners of the last three straight against the Buckeyes. The last time Michigan won three straight over Ohio State was back in 1995-97, with that 97 season ending in a Rose Bowl victory and a share of the National Championship. 

Although fans of other programs will continue to defend the rivalries their favorite teams are a part of, there's no denying that the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State is nearly impossible to beat.