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The showdown between Ohio State and Notre Dame for the national championship has proven to be a ratings bonanza, with ESPN drawing massive viewership numbers for the highly anticipated game. According to the network, the broadcast averaged 22.1 million viewers, peaking at 26.1 million during the height of the game, making it one of the most-watched events in college football history.
The game, which marked the conclusion of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, saw Ohio State securing a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame, adding their ninth national title to the program's storied history. The impressive ratings highlight the significant interest generated by the expanded playoff format and the enduring appeal of college football.
In comparison, the championship game outperformed all other non-NFL sporting events over the past year, including the Rose Bowl showdown between Ohio State and Oregon, which averaged 21.1 million viewers. While the numbers were staggering, they fell short of last year's national championship between Michigan and Washington, which averaged 25.05 million viewers.
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Everyone was tuning in
ESPN commentator Kirk Herbstreit described the matchup as a "ratings bonanza," reflecting the excitement surrounding the final four teams, which included Ohio State, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Texas.
The championship game took place just hours after President Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony, leading some to speculate that the day's events might have influenced viewership. Nonetheless, the game remained the most-watched non-NFL event since last year's championship game.
As college football continues to evolve, the expanded playoff format has demonstrated its potential to capture the attention of millions of fans. The success of this year's championship underscores the thrilling possibilities of the sport's future, as the new format promises to deliver even more excitement and engagement.