Ohio State Looking to Break Michigan's Strangle Hold on the College Football Attendance Record

For years Michigan's Big House has been the leader in attendance during the college football season. Did I say years? More like 39 of the last 40. So the Wolverines haven't just been the leader in attendance. You could almost them the kings.

This season Ohio State thinks it has what it takes to knock the king of its throne.

@buckeyefansonly

Last season Michigan packed in a nation's best 111, 592 people a game (yes, even though the listed capacity is around 109,000). Ohio State packed in the second best mark in the nation with 104,933 (listed capacity around 102,000).

So there is a little ground to make up which folks at OSU think they can:

(1) After some stadium renovations the Horseshoe can fit another 2500 fans.

(2) Two years ago Ohio State was undefeated. Last season they finished No. 10 in the Coaches Poll and No. 12 in the AP. This season--college football playoffs?

(3) Michigan has been just an okay team. Over the last four seasons (which were preceded by two losing seasons) they have gone 7-6, 11-2, 8-5, and 7-6--not exactly the kind of thing that encourages attendance.

(4) Michigan student ticket sales are expected to nose dive. Two years ago they sold 21,000, last season 19,000, and this season they expect to sell 12-13,000.

A so-so schedule could also be used as a potential indicator as well, but that could actually help. Should the team be able to roll over people fans will pack in to the Big House. Yeah, it will be against weaker opponents, but for a fan base that has seen it's team dip close to mediocrity they'll likely take it.

If Michigan does come out killing opponents the quest to unseat them from the attendance thrown will be moot, but for now it sure makes for entertaining speculation.

[BCSN]

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