OSU vs. Arch Manning, Texas Was Most-Watched Week 1 CFB Game Ever, Over 18M Viewers

Ohio State's season-opening 14-7 win over Arch Manning and Texas on Saturday had a record-breaking audience.

Fox Sports announced that the game drew just over 16.6 million viewers on average, becoming the most-watched Week 1 college football game ever. The game peaked with more than 18.5 million viewers.

The excitement heading into the matchup was understandable, as both teams were ranked within the top three on the first Associated Press Top 25 poll. Ohio State was coming off its national championship victory, while Manning was making his debut as the Longhorns' full-time starter under center.

The game was a defensive battle, with both teams combining to score just seven points through the first three quarters.

Ohio State took a 14-0 lead with just under five minutes left in the game due to a touchdown pass from Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin to Carnell Tate.

While Texas later found the end zone to trail by seven points once again, a final drive by the Longhorns stalled at the 50-yard line.

Manning showed flashes of upside but also displayed some room for improvement, finishing 17-of-30 for 170 yards with a touchdown as well as an interception.