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Scarlet Sunrise: Ohio State-Michigan draws historic FOX Sports viewership numbers

IMG_7408by:Andy Backstrom•11/30/23•

andybackstrom

Davison Igbinosun by Matt Parker -- Lettermen Row --
Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun celebrates a stop at Michigan. The Buckeyes ended up losing, 30-24. (Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise. Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Buckeyes football, recruiting, basketball and more in Scarlet Sunrise.

Ohio State-Michigan draws historic FOX Sports viewership numbers

The Game once again did record-breaking numbers. Just like last year, a top-three showdown between Ohio State and Michigan became the most-watched FOX Sports regular season college football game.

Ever.

19 million viewers tuned in for the 30-24 Michigan victory in The Big House, which featured a down-to-the-wire finish. Ohio State got the ball back down six with about a minute to go and no timeouts left. Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord drove past midfield before he was hit and threw a game-ending interception to Wolverines safety Rod Moore.

The Game was also the most-streamed college football game in FOX Sports history. Between 3:30-45 p.m., the broadcast peaked at 22.9 million viewers. For reference, last year’s matchup — a 45-23 Michigan win in Columbus — averaged 17 million viewers and peaked at 19.6 million.

The 2023 iteration of the longstanding rivalry is now the most-watched regular season college football game on any network since 2011.

Defensive tackle Justin Scott flips from Ohio State to Miami

It was a surprise when Justin Scott committed to Ohio State. It was a surprise when Justin Scott flipped from Ohio State.

The five-star Chicago (Ill.) St. Ignatius defensive tackle withdrew his commitment to Ohio State and pledged to Miami Wednesday night. Scott — the second-highest rated pledge in the Buckeyes’ 2024 class — was committed to Ohio State since July.

“From the first time they offered me to now they have never changed,” Scott said of Miami to On3. “Even when I committed they still recruited me and emphasized the need for my position there. I’ve built so many strong relationships there as well with everybody on the staff.”

Back when Scott had made his initial commitment to Ohio State, he had made official visits to Notre Dame, Michigan and Miami. He’s the No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 10 overall prospect in the cycle, according to On3.

For more on his flip, go here.

RELATED

Five offensive Buckeyes earn first-team All-Big Ten honors

Eight Ohio State offensive players received All-Big Ten honors this season. That included five first teamers:

WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (media and coaches)
RB TreVeyon Henderson (media and coaches)
OG Donovan Jackson (media and coaches)
TE Cade Stover (media)
OT Josh Fryar (media) 

Harrison kept the Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year award at Ohio State. It’s the sixth straight year a Buckeyes player has earned the honor, but he’s the first wideout to receive the accolade since Michigan’s Braylon Edwards in 2004.

Stover, meanwhile, was named the Big Ten’s Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year. The two-time Buckeyes captain returned for a fifth season and delivered the best year of his career in 2023. He logged 41 catches, 576 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 11 regular season appearances. Stover is the Buckeyes’ second-leading receiver this year, behind only Harrison.

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Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 366 days

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