Michigan Really Is America's Team

Jim Harbaugh called Michigan "America's Team" and the numbers say he has a point.

Women lie, men lie, but numbers do not. Whether you love Michigan or hate Michigan, the numbers say that everyone is into what's going on in Ann Arbor. This past weekend all eyes were on the Wolverines in Happy Valley. 

Television viewers for last week's games / SportsMediaWatch.com

As you can see, Michigan vs. Penn State was the most-watched game in the country and it was not even close. The Wolverines and Nittany Lions played in front of 110,000 in Beaver Stadium and another 9.16 million on television. In fact, Michigan's game nearly doubled up the next closest matchup, which was a big one between Washington and Utah. The Utes and Huskies were viewed by 5.17 million — a lot, but not close to Michigan's audience.

On down the list you had some big, intriguing matchups, but no one could touch the Wolverines on TV. Sure, part of it was the fact that U-M and PSU were both in the top ten, but so were Georgia and Ole Miss. Florida State vs. Miami used to be must-see TV, but not so much anymore. Ohio State was the No. 1 team in the country taking on Michigan State, who can sometimes spoil a party but it was modestly watch compared to the maize and blue. Even USC and Oregon, which started much later and basically had its own window to work with, could not come close to the viewership that Michigan draws. 

However you look at it, Michigan is the brand in college football. Jim Harbaugh is polarizing and someone everyone wants to keep an eye on. He's more entertaining than Nick Saban, Ryan Day, Kirby Smart and Mike Norvell combined. With such a huge fanbase and alumni network, Michigan is always going to be relevant on TV. Throw in the fact that the Wolverines are arguably the best team and the country and you get numbers like the ones above. The number will probably dip this weekend as the Wolverines travel to College Park to take on the Terps, but wait until Nov. 25 when U-M hosts Ohio State. Whew.