It’s finally that time of year, again! Outside of transfer portal news and recruiting updates, it’s the dead period before college football media days and fall camp. You have to believe that’s why Joel Klatt listed his top stadiums for the best atmosphere in the Big Ten in the middle of May:
The BEST college football atmospheres in the @bigten for @joelklatt pic.twitter.com/Pj97QINPlI
— The Joel Klatt Show: A CFB Pod (@JoelKlattShow) May 13, 2024
The Big House made the cut, coming in at No. 4 in the conference. While it’s not always the loudest or most hostile environment, Michigan Stadium is a great place to watch a game.
In recent years, Michigan has hosted some incredible matchups that will be remembered for years to come. This isn’t an extensive list or even a ranking, just a place to relive some of those memorable games and the incredible atmosphere that came with them.
Let’s be honest, we’ve been watching a lot of these on repeat since they happened.
Ohio State at Michigan (2023)
Heading into The Game, the atmosphere of this one was incredible. You’ve got the signgate allegations, Big Ten Championship berth on the line, and a chance at the College Football Playoff all ahead of the game. Then, offensive lineman Zak Zinter gets injured, “let’s go Zak!” chants begin, and running back Blake Corum scores a touchdown before he flashes six-five at the camera. That’s a recipe for one of the best atmospheres in college football.
Penn State at Michigan (2022)
A top-10 matchup in Ann Arbor and a sea of maize in the stands. It was a close game through two quarters, but Michigan ran away with it in the second half. Blake “the Great” and running back Donovan Edwards had huge games on the ground. Michigan runs away with this one in the end, final score 41-17 Wolverines.
Ohio State at Michigan (2021)
Michigan has a chance at its first-ever appearance in the Big Ten Championship Game if it can just get over the hump and beat the Buckeyes. Snow is falling. It’s November in Ann Arbor and Michigan gets its first win over Ohio State in 10 years.
Washington at Michigan (2021)
Prior to the season, there was a lot of excitement about this one. Despite Washington’s loss to Montana the week before, fans still brought their energy to Michigan Stadium under the lights. You might not like those late kickoffs, but man it sure creates a great atmosphere for the first big game post-covid.
Notre Dame at Michigan (2019)
After losing to Notre Dame the season before, Michigan fans wanted this win over the eighth-ranked Fighting Irish. It’d be the last game in the rivalry for a while. The team delivered a big win under the lights and in the rain. It’s a game that features a young Hassan Haskins hurdling over someone, Aidan Hutchinson making some big plays, and Mike Sainristil at wide receiver.
Wisconsin at Michigan (2018)
Shea Patterson helped lead the Wolverines to victory in this one. Michigan’s defense also had a night with a few interceptions. Hosting the Badgers in a top-15 matchup definitely made for an electric atmosphere at the Big House.
Ohio State at Michigan (2013)
This is the only game on the list that Michigan ended up losing, but the atmosphere at Michigan Stadium in 2013 was incredible until the very last play of the game. Ohio State came into Ann Arbor as the No. 3 team in the country. The Wolverines score first, but you know how it ends — a missed two-point conversion at the end left them just short of the upset.
Northwestern at Michigan (2012)
Michigan finished the 2012 season 7-3 and 5-1 in conference play, thanks to an overtime win against Northwestern. The Wildcats were a top-25 team at the time. Anytime you have a game that goes into overtime, you can bet the fans get loud.
Notre Dame at Michigan (2011)
The atmosphere at the Big House for the first night game at Michigan Stadium was incredible. College GameDay was in Ann Arbor for this one. The buildup that came with waiting all day for the Wolverines to kickoff was like nothing else in 2011. The game was an instant classic! It looked like it was over for Denard Robinson and Michigan, but the Wolverines scored four touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The game-winning drive came together with just thirty seconds to go in the game.
Ohio State at Michigan (2011)
Ohio State strikes early, but Michigan gets the last laugh in this game. It may have been a down year for the Buckeyes, but that didn’t make the atmosphere at the Big House any different. It still felt good to beat Ohio State and avoid an upset. This win sent Michigan to the Sugar Bowl and gave fans a taste of what it was like to beat their rival again.
What’s been your favorite game at The Big House? Let us know in the comments!
