Nick Saban and the University of Alabama weren’t the only ones licking their wounds Monday night.
The Crimson Tide’s 44-16 drubbing by the Clemson Tigers in Monday’s national championship game also sacked ESPN’s ratings hopes, as the lopsided game led to a 13 percent drop in the overnight ratings with a 14.6 in the metered markets.
That number incorporates the viewers across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNEWS (the network aired the game on multiple networks as part of its annual “Megacast” but ESPN Classic and SEC Network are not Nielsen rated).
The 28-point margin of victory was the largest in the brief history on the College Football Playoff National Championship game. The game appeared to be on its way to another classic between the two schools, who met in the title game for the third time in the last four years, with a 14-13 score at the end of the first quarter. The game peaked with a 16.2 rating in the second quarter, and by halftime Clemson already had the game in hand leading 31-16.
Last year’s matchup, which also featured Alabama, posted a 16.7 rating in the early results. However, that game featured a thrilling comeback by Alabama to defeat their SEC rival Georgia Bulldogs in overtime. That game ended up drawing 28.4 million viewers across its multiple networks.
ESPN will have viewership numbers later on Tuesday.
John Cena, Sugar Ray Leonard Remember Muhammad Ali at SI Sportsperson of the Year Awards (Photos)
WWE Superstar, actor, former ESPYs host and rapper John Cena can now add Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award honoree to his lengthy resume after receiving the award Tuesday night. In the midst of his press tour for "Bumblebee," Cena celebrated his philanthropic work with the Make-A-Wish foundation at the event hosted by Joel McHale at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Cena told TheWrap that he's flattered that WWE wrestlers are now seen as real athletes and sports personalities, not simply entertainers. But don't worry WWE fans, when he's done causing a buzz in Hollywood with the "Transformers" prequel, Cena will be back in the ring Dec. 26 at Madison Square Garden.
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Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard (center, with Akbar Gbaja-Biamila and Aaron Donald) later took to the stage to remember his late friend, who he described as the sports worlds' first true humanitarian.
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"Blockers" co-star Ike Barinholtz presented Cena with his award and even dared to swap a few jabs at him during the ceremony.
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LA Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald received the Performer of the Year Award during his quest to reach Super Bowl LIII.
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Host Joel McHale was running late but brought his A-game.
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New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara was named Breakout of the Year.
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Teen swimmer Leah Hayes was crowned SportsKid of the Year for embracing her baldness after losing her hair to alopecia.
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FS1's "Fair Game" host Kristine Leahy.
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Sports Illustrated model Camille Kostek took on red carpet hosting duties after recently returning from an SI trip to Kangaroo Island in Australia.
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WWE Superstar and “Bumblebee” actor receives the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award at pro athlete-filled event hosted by Joel McHale
WWE Superstar, actor, former ESPYs host and rapper John Cena can now add Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award honoree to his lengthy resume after receiving the award Tuesday night. In the midst of his press tour for "Bumblebee," Cena celebrated his philanthropic work with the Make-A-Wish foundation at the event hosted by Joel McHale at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Cena told TheWrap that he's flattered that WWE wrestlers are now seen as real athletes and sports personalities, not simply entertainers. But don't worry WWE fans, when he's done causing a buzz in Hollywood with the "Transformers" prequel, Cena will be back in the ring Dec. 26 at Madison Square Garden.