Fox Sports said Michigan’s stunning upset of arch-rival Ohio State drew 12.3 million viewers to its Big Noon Saturday broadcast.
Citing estimates from Nielsen, Fox Sports said The Game was the second most-watched college football game of the season, trailing Georgia’s victory over Texas in the SEC in October.
The Michigan-Ohio State game was the most-watched Big Ten game on any network this season, but it drew fewer viewers than last year’s contest, which drew 19.1 million viewers. Last year both Ohio State and Michigan were ranked in the Top 10. Michigan was unranked and a three-touchdown underdog going into this year’s big game.
Michigan has now beat its rival four straight times.
The broadcast ended with a melee as Michigan and Ohio State players fought and law enforcement used pepper spray to try to clear the field.
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Jon Lafayette is the Sports Editor for Barrett Media. His focus is on the business of sports, including revenue-generating activities, executive intrigue and on-air and behind the scenes talent. Jon previously covered big stories in the media industry as business editor of Broadcasting+Cable. Before B+C, Jon covered the TV and advertising industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago. He can be reached by email at Jon@BarrettMedia.com.
