The College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal between Notre Dame and Penn State was a nail-biter that left fans on the edge of their seats. The Fighting Irish pulled off a thrilling 27-24 victory, clinching their spot in the National Championship Game. However, the game was not without its controversies and disappointments, particularly in terms of viewership.
Viewership numbers take a hit
Despite the excitement on the field, the game attracted only **17.8 million viewers**, a significant drop from last year’s semifinal, which saw **27.8 million** tuning in for the Alabama vs. Michigan matchup. This decline raises questions about the factors influencing viewer engagement in college football’s biggest games.
The 2024 Rose Bowl was played on New Year’s Day, a holiday that typically garners higher viewership. In contrast, the Notre Dame-Penn State clash occurred on a non-holiday Thursday night. Could this scheduling difference have played a role in the lower audience numbers? It’s certainly a possibility worth considering.
ESPN reported that it attracted **16.9 million viewers**, while its sister channels, ESPN2 and ESPNU, brought in **733,000** and **144,000** viewers, respectively. This combination of figures highlights the challenges faced by networks in capturing the attention of college football fans during key matchups.
Notre Dame’s path to the National Championship
With their victory over Penn State, Notre Dame improved to an impressive **13-1** record this season. They are now set to face Ohio State in the National Championship Game on **Monday, January 20**, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The Fighting Irish are aiming to secure their **12th national championship**, a feat they haven’t achieved since **1988**.
Ohio State, on the other hand, recognizes **eight national championships**, including two since Notre Dame’s last title in **2002** and **2014**. This matchup promises to be a thrilling showdown between two storied programs with rich histories and passionate fan bases.
As an independent FBS program, Notre Dame has also reaped financial rewards from their CFP success. They will receive a **$20 million bonus** for reaching the National Championship game, a significant amount that they can keep entirely, thanks to their independent status in football. This financial advantage allows them to invest in their program and continue competing at the highest level.
A game filled with drama
The semifinal was not just about the scoreboard; it was also marked by moments of intense drama. One such moment occurred with **8:48 minutes** left in regulation when Penn State quarterback **Drew Allar** threw an interception to Notre Dame’s **Jack Kiser**. The play seemed to shift the momentum decisively in favor of the Fighting Irish. However, the referees called a controversial pass interference penalty on Notre Dame’s **Adon Shuler**, which left fans fuming.
In a display of frustration, Notre Dame fans responded by throwing trash onto the field, including beer bottles, with one camera capturing a bottle that made its way to the end zone. Such incidents underscore the emotional investment fans have in these high-stakes games and the passion that college football ignites.
Historical context of viewership
In the broader context of CFP history, the viewership for this semifinal ranks on the lower end. Out of the **21 semifinal games** since the multiteam playoff format was introduced in **2005**, only five have recorded fewer viewers. The last Orange Bowl semifinal in **2021**, which also took place on New Year’s Day, garnered **17.2 million** viewers, slightly higher than this year’s numbers.
As college football continues to evolve, understanding viewer preferences and scheduling dynamics will be crucial for maximizing audience engagement. The shift to a Thursday night for a semifinal game may have inadvertently impacted the overall excitement and turnout.
Looking ahead
As Notre Dame prepares for their National Championship showdown against Ohio State, fans are left to ponder the implications of this semifinal’s viewership decline. Will the championship game attract a larger audience? Will the excitement of a title on the line reignite interest in college football? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, the Fighting Irish are focused on their goal of capturing a national title, while Ohio State looks to add to its storied legacy. With both teams boasting strong records and passionate fan bases, the National Championship Game is sure to be a thrilling spectacle that captures the attention of college football fans everywhere.
As we approach the championship, the anticipation builds. Will Notre Dame reclaim its glory, or will Ohio State continue its dominance? One thing is for sure: college football never fails to deliver drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments that keep fans coming back for more.
