The Fiesta Bowl matchup between the Buckeyes and Tigers was an instant classic, with the defending national champions securing a 29-23 win in the final minute. A reported 21.2 million viewers tuned in for the action.

The Fiesta Bowl was far and away the more anticipated game of the two semifinal matchups. The No. 1 vs. No. 4 game between LSU and Oklahoma wasn't expected be all that competitive with the Tigers going into the Peach Bowl as two-touchdown favorites. The line proved too generous to the Sooners, who were blown out 63-28.

The nightcap was much more entertaining, and the viewership proved it.