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Michigan-Michigan State game nets largest viewing audience of the college football season

Scott Schultz

By Scott Schultz

Published:

Anyone who follows college football in the midwest, whether a fan of the B1G or not, knows when the annual game between Michigan and Michigan State is taking place. The battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy is a circle-game on both teams schedules, and even fans of other teams are tuned in.

This year, the in-state rivalry matchup featured both teams taking the field unbeaten and ranking in the AP Top-10. And the TV ratings were the tale of the tape.

The come-from-behind, 37-33 win by Spartans over the Wolverines averaged 9.3 million viewers on FOX, making it the most watched college football game of the season.

In addition to the interest thanks to the long time rivalry, the game was amazing.

For the first half was all Michigan, and after a touchdown drive to open the second half put the Wolverines up 30-14, it looked to be a win for the blue and gold.

But the Spartans took control, and charged back on the performance of Heisman Trophy candidate Kenneth Walker III. The Wake Forest transfer found the end zone 5 times, 3 of them in the second half, and racked up 197 rushing yards. His 1,194 rushing yards leads all FBS running back.

Up next, the Spartans head to West Lafayette on Saturday to take on Purdue, while the Wolverines host Indiana.

Scott Schultz

Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.