Ohio State Football Makes History With Rose Bowl Victory Over Oregon
The Ohio State Buckeyes clinched their place as college football powerhouses with a decisive 41-21 victory over the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day 2023. This impressive victory marked not only redemption from their earlier season loss but also captured the attention of millions of viewers across the nation.
ESPN revealed on Friday the grand viewer engagement with the game, as it averaged 21.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched non-NFL sporting event since last year’s College Football Playoff (CFP) national title game. Not only did the Rose Bowl peak at 24.3 million viewers, but it also surpassed the Peach Bowl, which had averaged 17.3 million, and the Sugar Bowl at 15.8 million.
This extensive viewership reflects the significant demand for Ohio State’s games, which averaged 6.8 million viewers throughout the regular season—second only to Georgia's 8.6 million. The Buckeyes attracted substantial interest throughout their season, particularly noted during previous matchups against high-profile teams such as Michigan (12.3 million viewers) and Oregon (10.2 million viewers).
Ohio State's unprecedented engagement stemmed from their captivating gameplay. During the Rose Bowl, quarterback Will Howard connected frequently with star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who had seven receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Smith was lauded for his outstanding performance, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 94.5, the highest recorded for any receiver this season. Howard completed 17 of 26 passes for 319 yards, showcasing his efficient play behind center.
Ohio State took immediate control of the game, as Smith scored just moments after kickoff. The Buckeyes quickly raced to a commanding 34-0 lead by the end of the second quarter. Oregon attempted to stage a comeback, but Ohio State's relentless offense proved overwhelming
Oregon, which entered the matchup boasting an undefeated 13-0 record and coming off a Big Ten Championship victory, faced disappointment as their season came to an untimely end. This rematch was highly anticipated following their closely contested nail-biter earlier this season where the Ducks secured victory at Autzen Stadium by just one point, 32-31.
The average viewership of the Rose Bowl not only made headlines as one of the biggest college football games this season, but it also eclipsed ratings from notable sports events including the Men’s and Women’s NCAA Basketball Championships, the NBA Finals, World Series, and The Masters.
The alternate viewing option led by Pat McAfee on ESPN2 attracted 2.4 million viewers, establishing it as the most-watched alternative broadcast ever for a college football game. This heightened engagement shows the power of broadcast variety and viewer demand for different perspectives of live sporting events.
Ohio State’s fervent fanbase is expected to maintain its enthusiasm for the upcoming CFP semifinal against Texas, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at the Cotton Bowl. If the recent season is any indication, these viewership numbers could see another surge.
For many viewers, Ohio State remains must-see television, and this Rose Bowl performance will significantly bolster interest heading forward. The excitement surrounding Ohio State football continues to grow, and as the team advances through the playoffs, it's clear their influence on college football is as dominant as the performances they put on the field.