National Championship Game scores ESPN highest-ever overnight rating

The National Championship Game between Ohio State and Oregon broadcast Monday on ESPN was the network’s highest telecast ever

Author:
SI Wire
Publish date:
Jan 13, 2015

The National Championship Game between Ohio State and Oregon broadcast Monday on ESPN was the network’s highest rated telecast ever, ESPN announced.

The 42-20 victory by Ohio State received an 18.5 overnight rating, a 21 percent increase over Florida State's win over Auburn in last year’s title game. The previous record for viewership was held by the 2011 BCS Championship between Auburn and Oregon.

That game received a 16.1 overnight rating and was seen by 27.316 million viewers.

National Championship Game winners and losers

Columbus, Ohio, delivered a 51.2 rating, good for the No. 1 overall market for Monday's game, while Portland received a 37.6 rating, which was fourth overall.

The top 10 metered markets were Columbus, Dayton (43.8), Cleveland (41.3), Portland, Birmingham (36.1), Cincinnati (26.5), Jacksonville (25.7), Knoxville (25.5), Greenville (24.1) and Atlanta (23.0).

Final viewership numbers are expected to be released Tuesday. - Scooby Axson

GALLERY: SI'S BEST PHOTOS FROM THE NATIONAL TITLE GAME

SI's Best Photos From Ohio State-Oregon

Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones celebrates with the Buckeyes' mascot after his team's 42-20 win over Oregon in the National Championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Jan. 12, 2015.

Ohio State wide receiver Kato Mitchell celebrates with his teammates after the Buckeyes' 42-20 win over Oregon.

Ohio State's Jeff Heuerman (5), Nick Vannett (81) and Marcus Baugh (85) whoop it up at the national title game.

Oregon Ducks players and coaches walk off the field as the confetti falls in the wake of their 42-20 defeat at the hands of Ohio State.

Ohio State Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer fist pumps during his team's 42-20 win over the Oregon Ducks.

An Ohio State receiver catches the ball behind the back of an Oregon Ducks cornerback at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott runs over two Oregon Ducks for one of his four touchdowns.

Ezekiel Elliott celebrates with teammate Corey Smith after one of his four touchdowns.

Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota tries to stiff arm Ohio State linebacker Michael Bennett (53).

Ohio State receiver Jalin Marshall evades an Oregon defender along the sideline.

Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones drops back to throw. Jones finished with 242 yards against the Oregon Ducks in the Buckeyes' 42-20 win.

Ohio State wide receiver Devin Smith attempts a catch over Oregon cornerback Reggie Daniels.

Oregon was called for pass interference on this play in the end zone.

Ohio State tight end Nick Vannett goes to the ground after his touchdown catch in the first half.

Ohio State safety Tyvis Powell stops Oregon running back Thomas Tyner short of the goal line in the Buckeyes' 42-20 win.

Oregon wide receiver Charles Nelson rises for a catch between two Ohio State defenders.

Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones stumbles in his own end zone as the Oregon defense pursues him. Jones avoided a safety on the play.

Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones spun out of a tackle and bulled his way in for a touchdown on this play.

Replay officials took a close look to see if Byron Marshall let the ball go before he crossed the goal line on this play.

Byron Marshall could have cost his team a touchdown had he celebrated by dropping the ball too early.

Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones prepares to throw in the face of three Oregon defensive linemen. Jones completed 16 of his 23 passes during the Buckeyes' 42-20 win.

Ohio State lines up for a quarterback sneak at the one-yard line against the Oregon defense.

Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones leaps over two Oregon defenders. Jones ran for 38 yards on 21 carries in the Buckeyes' 42-20 win.

Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott ran for over 200 yards in all three games that Cardale Jones started at QB for the Buckeyes.

Ezekiel Elliott evades an Oregon defender -- something he did all night.

Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota tries to evade Ohio State defensive lineman Adolphus Washington. Mariota threw for 333 yards in the Ducks' loss.

Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones throws from his own end zone during the Buckeyes' 42-20 win.

Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota drops back to pass. Mariota combined for 372 yards in the air and on the ground.

Oregon wide receiver Keanon Lowe catches a touchdown pass for the first score in the National Championship game.

Keanon Lowe's touchdown gave the Ducks false hopes that this would be their night. Despite getting four Ohio State turnovers, Oregon scored only 20 points.