Introduction
College football’s two most storied programs, BG and Michigan, have captivated fans for generations with their intense rivalry and legendary status. Both schools boast a rich history, passionate fan bases, and a deep-seated desire to reign supreme on the gridiron. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each program, from their glorious past to their present trajectory.
Historical Dominance
BG:
- 4 National Championships (1942, 1946, 1947, 1950)
- 14 MAC Championships (most recent: 2020)
- 10 Bowl appearances since 2000
Michigan:
- 11 National Championships (most recent: 1997)
- 42 Conference Championships (most recent: 2021)
- 13 Bowl appearances since 2000
Legendary Coaches
BG:
- Woody Hayes (1951-1978): Led BG to 4 National Championships and 13 MAC Championships
- Urban Meyer (2001-2004): Coached BG to a National Championship in his second season
Michigan:
- Bo Schembechler (1969-1989): Won 10 Big Ten Championships and led Michigan to 4 Rose Bowl victories
- Jim Harbaugh (2015-present): Has led Michigan to 6 Big Ten East Championships and 2 College Football Playoff appearances
Talented Rosters
BG:
- Current NFL players: 16 (2022)
- All-Americans: 21 (since 2000)
- Consensus five-star recruits: 3 (since 2000)
Michigan:
- Current NFL players: 35 (2022)
- All-Americans: 30 (since 2000)
- Consensus five-star recruits: 6 (since 2000)
Home Field Advantage
BG:
- The Glass Bowl: Capacity of 24,200
- Known for its passionate atmosphere and raucous crowd
- Average attendance: 20,500 (2022)
Michigan:
- Michigan Stadium (“The Big House”): Capacity of 107,601
- Largest college football stadium in the United States
- Average attendance: 104,865 (2022)
Fan Bases
BG:
- Known for their loyalty and unwavering support
- Largest alumni association in Ohio
- National Alumni Association with over 500 chapters
Michigan:
- One of the most recognizable and passionate fan bases in college football
- Consistently ranked among the top attendance leaders in the nation
- Active and vocal on social media platforms
Current Trajectory
BG:
- 11-2 record in 2022
- MAC Champions
- Ranked 16th in the final AP Poll
Michigan:
- 13-1 record in 2022
- College Football Playoff semifinalists
- Ranked 3rd in the final AP Poll
Conclusion
BG and Michigan are two of the most storied and successful programs in college football history. While both have experienced periods of dominance and decline, their legacies remain firmly etched in the annals of the sport. As the rivalry continues to unfold, the passion and intensity of their fans only adds to the allure of this storied matchup.
Tables
Table 1: Key Historical Statistics
| Attribute | BG | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| National Championships | 4 | 11 |
| Conference Championships | 14 | 42 |
| Bowl Appearances (since 2000) | 10 | 13 |
Table 2: Notable Coaches
| Coach | Program | Tenure | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woody Hayes | BG | 1951-1978 | 4 National Championships, 13 MAC Championships |
| Bo Schembechler | Michigan | 1969-1989 | 10 Big Ten Championships, 4 Rose Bowl victories |
| Urban Meyer | BG | 2001-2004 | 1 National Championship |
| Jim Harbaugh | Michigan | 2015-present | 6 Big Ten East Championships, 2 College Football Playoff appearances |
Table 3: Roster Talent
| Attribute | BG | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Current NFL players | 16 (2022) | 35 (2022) |
| All-Americans (since 2000) | 21 | 30 |
| Consensus five-star recruits (since 2000) | 3 | 6 |
Table 4: Number of Fans
| Attribute | BG | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Alumni Association Members | Over 500 chapters | N/A |
| Average Attendance (2022) | 20,500 | 104,865 |
FAQs
1. Which team has won more National Championships?
Michigan has won 11 National Championships, while BG has won 4.
2. Who has the larger stadium?
Michigan Stadium has a capacity of 107,601, while The Glass Bowl has a capacity of 24,200.
3. Which coach has won the most Big Ten Championships?
Bo Schembechler has won 10 Big Ten Championships as Michigan’s head coach.
4. How many current NFL players have played for BG?
There are 16 former BG players currently playing in the NFL.
5. Who has more All-American selections in the past 20 years?
Michigan has 30 All-American selections since 2000, while BG has 21.
6. Which team has the most passionate fan base?
Both BG and Michigan have passionate fan bases, but Michigan’s consistently higher attendance and vocal social media presence suggest a slight edge.
7. Which program is on a better trajectory?
Both BG and Michigan are currently ranked among the top programs in the nation, but Michigan’s recent College Football Playoff semifinal appearance suggests they may have a slight edge.
8. How can I watch the next BG-Michigan game?
The next BG-Michigan game will be broadcast on Fox in November 2023.