U-M Football Ranked Second In Television Viewership In 2013
Despite posting a disappointing 7-5 record and having to watch its two biggest rivals duke it out for the Big Ten Championship this weekend, the Michigan Wolverines football team pulled in the second-highest television ratings in the nation this season, bested only by the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Michigan was one of only two Big Ten teams to crack the top 10, with Ohio State joining them at number six. Other Big Ten teams to make the top 25 include Nebraska (12), Northwestern (16), Wisconsin (19), Penn State (19), and Michigan State (22).
The SEC naturally dominated the list, bringing in seven of the top 10 teams and 12 of the top 25. The SEC also ranked number one in conference television ratings, while the Big Ten came in a far second place. Rounding out the top five was the ACC, PAC-12, and BIG-12 conferences.
With the Wolverines waiting to learn their bowl selection fate, it's not out of the realm of possibility that a premier bowl game would select the Michigan brand to help boost viewership. The Maize and Blue have been speculated to be targeted by the Gator Bowl, the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, and the Texas Bowl.
