In a season filled with unprecedented twists and turns, the recent clash between Michigan and Ohio State proved to be a historic moment in college football, dominating television screens and captivating millions of viewers across the nation. According to The Athletic, the highly-anticipated showdown has been declared the most-watched college football game of the 2023 regular season, averaging a staggering 19.1 million viewers on Fox.

The magnitude of this viewership milestone becomes more apparent when compared to previous records. The Michigan-Ohio State matchup stands as the most-watched regular-season game on any network since 2011 when LSU-Alabama drew an audience of 20 million viewers. Additionally, this historic game shattered previous records as it became the most-watched college football regular-season game ever aired on Fox.

FOX has been fortunate to broadcast Michigan's enthralling season, with the Wolverines making appearances on various networks such as Peacock, NBC, The Big Ten Network, CBS, and FOX itself. Their drama-filled journey has undoubtedly captured the attention of a diverse range of viewers, creating a sensation in the world of college football.

The release of the latest College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday has only intensified the excitement surrounding championship weekend. The current rankings feature Georgia at the top, followed by Michigan, Washington, and Florida State. However, the outcomes of the upcoming weekend clashes will significantly impact the committee's final selection of the four teams that will compete for the prestigious championship.

Speculation runs wild as fans ponder the scenarios that could unfold. If Alabama manages to upset Georgia, it could potentially secure their place in the playoffs. On the other hand, should Michigan stumble against Iowa despite their remarkable victories over Ohio State and Penn State - two top-10 teams - their chances may dwindle even with an impressive resume.

The clash between Oregon and Washington raises questions as well. A victory for Oregon could potentially eliminate the Huskies from contention, while also solidifying the Ducks as the sole representative from the Pac-12 Conference.

Meanwhile, the Seminoles face a formidable challenge as they enter the ACC Championship without their starting quarterback. Despite this setback, they aim to prove their worth as deserving contenders amidst stiff competition from other teams.

Adding to the complexity is the role of Texas in this tangled web. Should Alabama conquer Georgia, Texas's victory against Alabama earlier in the season could potentially elevate their odds of securing a spot in the playoffs.

As the championship weekend approaches, ESPN/ABC executives find themselves hoping for upsets that would bring Michigan and Ohio State into the final four. The rivalry between these two powerhouses has consistently generated immense interest among viewers. According to SportsMediaWatch, the recent clash between the Wolverines and Buckeyes marked the highest audience for this rivalry since their iconic No. 1 vs. No. 2 meeting in 2006.

The exceptional viewership numbers speak volumes about the allure of college football and its ability to captivate audiences. Earlier this season, a game featuring Deion Sanders and Colorado attracted significant attention, becoming the most-watched game up to that point with 10.03 million viewers on ABC. However, the Michigan-Ohio State spectacle managed to double that viewership, setting a new bar for excitement and intrigue in college football.

While the prospect of witnessing a rematch between the Wolverines and Buckeyes in the coming weeks remains unlikely, the sheer demand for such an event would undoubtedly bring financial gain and delight for ESPN. The stage is set for championship weekend and fans can only anticipate the unfolding drama as the committee's decision looms.