There was rather sizable news this past college football offseason off the field in the media world. The Big Ten Conference continued to expand its reach nationally when they announced newly-minted deals with major networks Fox, ESPN/ABC and CBS.
Fans of Big Ten schools have seen the Fox aspect really come to fruition in 2017. And part of the new package included a loaded lineup of college football Saturdays. And perhaps none were more appealing than “The Game” played annually between Michigan and Ohio State.
For the first time ever, Fox will have the privilege of televising the 113th showdown of “The Game” this Saturday (Noon ET). And as is customary in the marketing world, what good is said privilege if you can’t promote it?
The history. The rivalry. The Game. #EveryGameIsEverything pic.twitter.com/6OdngRyvS7
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 20, 2017
Fox is cashing in after Ohio State-Michigan in 2016 was the single most-watched college football game of the entire year. “The Game” has always been a staple on ABC for years. In fact, not only will this be the first time that Fox is televising the contest, but it will be the first time a network other than ABC has the broadcasting rights since 1986.
When news of the new TV agreement with the Big Ten, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh considered the move quite substantial for the conference moving forward.
Michigan coach Harbaugh via video calls Fox "The new primary home for Big Ten football."
— John Ourand (@Ourand_Puck) May 15, 2017
Last year’s tilt between the hated rivals was arguably the most intense and evenly-matched meeting since their 2006 encounter, often referred to as the “Game of the Century” by many.
Michigan enters this year’s edition of “The Game” as a double-digit underdog, despite being at home against the Buckeyes. Ohio State has already earned a trip to Indianapolis to represent the East Division in the Big Ten Championship, so the Wolverines will be looking to spoil the Buckeyes’ chances of making the College Football Playoff.
You can see the latest chapter of “The Game” this Saturday, November 25 on ABC… just kidding. It’s still on Fox.