Despite the absence of USC, the Rose Bowl still drew strong numbers on ABC Friday afternoon.
The Ohio State/Oregon Rose Bowl drew a 13.8 overnight rating on ABC New Year’s Day, up 10% from a 12.6 for last year’s USC/Penn St. matchup, and up 15% from a 12.0 for USC/Illinois in ’08.
The 13.8 overnight is the highest for the Rose Bowl since USC/Michigan drew a 14.5 in ’07.
Friday’s game was the last Rose Bowl for the foreseeable future to air on broadcast television. Next year’s game will air on ESPN.
