NCAAF News: PAC-12 Championship Game Sets Rating Record

Share News

Washington vs Oregon Draws Historic Audience on NCAAF

The recent Pac-12 Championship Game, a riveting clash between the Washington Huskies and the Oregon Ducks, has set a new viewership record, capturing the attention of 9.2 million viewers on ABC, as reported by ESPN. This monumental matchup not only marked the most-watched title game in the history of the Pac-12 but also signaled the end of an era for the conference. 

The game’s peak moment came between 11:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. ET, drawing an impressive 11.1 million viewers, surpassing the previous record set in 2014 when Oregon faced Arizona, attracting six million viewers. NCAAF Lines for the game were also studied by bettors worldwide. 

Profitable History

The significance of this game extended beyond the record-breaking viewership. Washington’s thrilling 34-31 victory over Oregon ensured their unbeaten status with a 13-0 record and all but guaranteed their spot in the College Football Playoff. This win was particularly notable as it marked the second victory for the Huskies over the Ducks this season, having previously triumphed in a close 36-33 game on October 14 in Seattle.

The context of this historic game is enriched by the recent realignment in college football. On August 4, the Big Ten welcomed Oregon and Washington as new members, with competition slated to start in the 2024-25 season. This move came shortly after the Big Ten had already expanded by adding USC and UCLA, beginning in August 2024. These shifts were driven in part by the Pac-12’s struggles to secure a lucrative media rights contract, in contrast to the successful deal secured by the Big 12 last fall.

Pac-12’s Missed Opportunity: Decoding the Washington-Oregon Game

The extraordinary viewership of the Washington-Oregon game not only highlights the end of an era for the Pac-12 but also underscores a missed opportunity. The conference started the season on a high note, with Colorado setting record viewership numbers thanks to Deion Sanders. Heading into Saturday’s games, the Pac-12 had four of the 18 most-watched games of the season, tying with the SEC for the most in any conference, it is impressive nothing could be done to save the Pac-12.

This game, featuring two top-5 teams, was not just a display of high-caliber football but also a nostalgic nod to what the Pac-12 once represented. With the balanced competition it had, NCAAF Odds were always interesting. It served as a bittersweet reminder of the potential the conference had and what could have been achieved with more strategic media rights management. As bettors and fans reflect on this historic game, it’s clear that it represented more than just a championship; it was a moment that captured the changing landscape of college football, marked by intense competition, strategic shifts, and the ever-present importance of media presence in shaping the future of the sport.