The Michigan-Michigan State game this year set a viewership record despite neither team being ranked, drawing 1.73 million viewers, the most ever for a night game on Big Ten Network. This marked the first time since 2008 that the rivals faced each other without being ranked. Fox Sports’ analyst Michael Mulvihill highlighted the success of the game, noting that it was the first time BTN had the #1 cable game on a CFB Saturday night. The intense local and regional interest in the rivalry game was evident in the impressive viewership numbers.
Although the stakes may not have been as high as in previous matchups, the Wolverines emerged victorious in ‘The Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy’ for the third consecutive season. Despite the lack of national rankings, the fierce rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State continues to captivate fans and draw significant attention.
The game was a success for BTN, with overall ratings up by 9% compared to previous seasons. The Wolverines’ win over the Spartans delighted the Big House crowd, further cementing the importance and excitement surrounding this longstanding rivalry. Stay tuned for more coverage of Michigan Wolverines athletics on Michigan Wolverines On SI.
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