While fellow broadcast network ABC scored huge numbers for the Outback Bowl, CBS had declines for its only bowl game.
CBS earned a 3.0 final rating and 4.609 million viewers for the December 31 Notre Dame/Miami Sun Bowl, down 9% in ratings and 8% in viewership from last year (OK/STAN: 3.3, 5.022 mil), but up 36% and 33%, respectively, from 2008 (ORST/PITT: 2.2, 3.475 mil).
The game ranks as the second-highest rated Sun Bowl since 2003, behind only last year.
That said, this also marks the sixth-lowest rating for the game dating back to 1996.
The Sun Bowl was one of just three bowl games on broadcast television this year. ABC’s coverage of the Outback Bowl earned a 7.1 rating and over 12 million viewers; numbers for the January 7 Cotton Bowl on FOX were not immediately available.
Ratings For Sun Bowl Dating Back to 1995-96 Season
(Sports Business Daily)
