New Years Day provided us with unquestionably the greatest day in the history of the College Football Playoff.
Both Michigan-Alabama and Texas-Washington more than lived up to the hype – and both came down to the final play of the game, which is much more than we’re usually able to say.
Needless to say, the television ratings for both games were massive.
According to a press release from ESPN, the epic Rose Bowl clash between Michigan and Alabama averaged 27.2 million viewers, marking the highest total for a CFP semifinal since the inception of the Playoff.
The matchup reached its pinnacle with a staggering 32.8 million viewers, securing a spot among the top 10 cable telecasts of all time.
Notably, the Rose Bowl showdown stands as the most-watched non-NFL sporting event since 2018.
The Sugar Bowl, featuring Texas and Washington, also contributed to the blockbuster ratings … The broadcast peaked at 24.5 million viewers, and its average of 18.4 million made it the fourth-highest rated Sugar Bowl in the last two decades.
🎊The #CFBPlayoff Semis scored 22.6M viewers
🌹27.2M viewers tuned in for @UMichFootball & @AlabamaFTBL
– Best Semi since Year 1
– Top 10 cable telecast all-time
– Peak: 32.8M🏆18.4M watched @UW_Football & @TexasFootball, the 4th-highest Sugar Bowl audience in 20 years pic.twitter.com/0UzB0z0Z5J
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) January 2, 2024
It’s safe to say the Sugar Bowl ratings would have been even bigger if the game didn’t end so late at night.
Regardless, ESPN executives were more than thrilled with the drama and numbers both games produced.
CFB isn't dying
CFB is just changing94 of 133 teams had increased attendance
2 teams playing in title game for their 1st time in 25+ years
TV Ratings Increased
Players have more rights than ever
Will grow w/ 12 team playoff
Not dead, different pic.twitter.com/1DONOn51hY
— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) January 3, 2024
Looking ahead, we will be crowning a national champion come Monday night when the Wolverines take on the Huskies.
From a ratings standpoint, there’s no doubt a Texas-Michigan title game would draw a bigger audience.
However, ESPN can surely expect another massive rating even with the fun-and-gun west coast Huskies involved.
Who do you think will win the national title – Michigan or Washington?
In the big picture, what are your thoughts on the future of college football?
Do you think all the new rules and policies have made the sport better?
What other changes would you make???