Boosted by controversy, Saturday night’s Alamo Bowl soared in the overnights.
Texas Tech’s win over Michigan State drew a 5.2 overnight rating on ESPN Saturday night, up 30% from a 4.0 for last year’s Missouri/Northwestern matchup.
The game came after days of media attention surrounding the firing of Texas Tech coach Mike Leach. Leach had been accused of mistreating Texas Tech WR Adam James, who is the son of ESPN analyst Craig James.
Saturday night’s game drew a 12.5 rating in San Antonio and a 9.4 in Dallas — record highs in both markets for a bowl game on ESPN or ESPN2. The game also drew a 10.6 in Detroit and an 8.1 in Houston.
(ESPN)
