Oregon-Ohio State instant classic reaches milestone levels for NBC

No. 2 Oregon’s 32-31 win against then-No. 2 Ohio State was more than an exhilarating finish on the field, but also on TV.

NBC Sports revealed Monday that last Saturday night’s Big Ten clash reached record ratings—the biggest since the 2008 season. Viewership topped 13.4 million as the Ducks pulled off the last-minute win but averaged 10.2 million.

According to a network-issued press release, the Ducks-Buckeyes game represents that most of the best teams are from the Big Ten. It isn’t by accident, either.

“Oregon is now ranked No. 2 and Ohio State No. 4. Penn State is ranked #3, giving the Big Ten three of the top four teams in (the) nation,” a portion of the release stated .

The game lived up to the proverbial hype. From the lead changing on seven occasions to Dillon Gabriel and Will Howard combining for 667 yards through the air, it had all of the cinematic college football drama fans know and love.

It isn’t out of the question that both teams could meet again in Indianapolis in December. It was the Buckeyes’ first loss of the season, while the Ducks remained unbeaten and improved to 6-0.

For now, Oregon travels to Purdue on Friday night. Purdue is still searching for its first Big Ten win, while the Ducks attempt to keep rolling ahead of another potential ranked-vs.-ranked matchup against Illinois on Oct. 26.

Meanwhile, Ohio State is idle ahead of a home game against Nebraska the following week.

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