Last Saturday’s much-anticipated Ohio State-Michigan showdown captivated a staggering 12.3 million viewers, becoming the second most-watched college football game of the 2024 season.
Despite its defensive nature and low score, the intense rivalry proved to be a television juggernaut.
The only game to surpass it in viewership was the October 19 Georgia-Texas game, which attracted 13.19 million fans on ABC.
However, this year’s edition of “The Game” still claimed a significant title: the most-watched Big Ten game of the season across all networks.
Ohio State entered the matchup as the clear favorite, boasting a 10-1 record and a roster brimming with talent.
But Michigan had other plans. The Wolverines’ defense delivered a masterclass, shutting down Ohio State’s offensive firepower.
The Buckeyes managed fewer than 100 rushing yards and barely scraped together 200 passing yards, ultimately scoring just 10 points.
A last-minute drive to save the game fell short, sealing the shocking 13-10 victory for Michigan.
Saturday’s result marked Ohio State’s fourth consecutive loss to its archrival, further compounding the struggles of head coach Ryan Day in the rivalry.
Day’s record against Michigan now stands at a grim 1-4.
Complicating matters further, Michigan entered this game with a modest 6-5 record, making the upset all the more shocking.
The loss eliminated Ohio State from contention for the Big Ten Championship, but the Buckeyes remain in great standing for a College Football Playoff berth.
Looking ahead, next year’s matchup in Ann Arbor is already generating buzz.
We know Sherrone Moore will be back on the sidelines for the Wolverines in 2025 … But can the same be said for Ryan Day???
