Ohio State vs. Oregon: ESPN Reveals Rating for 2015 National Championship Game

The inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship delivered the highest overnight rating in the history of ESPN. Ohio State's victory over Oregon reportedly received an 18.5 metered market rating based on Nielsen figures.

Derek Volner of ESPN MediaZone reports the rating marks a 21 percent increase over last year's title game, and it reached a peak of 20.5. The outlet also provided several additional options for watching the game, which, when combined, bumped the overall number even higher [sic]: "In addition to the traditional telecast, ESPN offered more than 12 ways to watch last night's championship game through the 'CFP Megacast.' ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNEWS combined to averaged 18.9 metered market average, up 20% (15.7) from the 2014 BCS Megascast."

Total viewership in terms of the number of people watching the game was not immediately released.

Unsurprisingly, the release also notes Columbus, Ohio (home of the Buckeyes), led the way with an eye-popping 51.2 market rating. A total of 22 different metered markets also set new records for postseason college football viewership.

The game itself lived up to the hype as Oregon came back from an early deficit to cut the lead to one point midway through the third quarter. Ohio State responded with three straight touchdowns from Ezekiel Elliott to post the 42-20 triumph.

Under the old system, the Buckeyes don't even receive a chance to play for the title. Now, they are the national champions. Pair that with the record-setting ratings, and it's fair to say the first-ever College Football Playoff was a success.