Expanded College Football Playoff concludes with Ohio State victory and strong viewership

The expanded College Football Playoff successfully concluded with Ohio State winning the national championship. The new format allowed for more teams to compete, resulting in exciting games and a worthy champion, despite some blowout matches. Viewership numbers were strong, with millions tuning in for playoff games. The atmosphere at on-campus venues was electric, enhancing the overall experience for fans. Bowl games also saw a 14% increase in viewership, countering concerns about the playoff's impact on traditional bowl season. However, some issues remain. Critics suggest eliminating first-round byes for top conference champions to better reflect team talent. Additionally, the playoff schedule coincided with significant events, leading to complaints about diminished hype for the championship game.