Despite several big name teams on the schedule, ABC had a fairly weak outing for college football over the weekend.
The Michigan State/Nebraska Saturday Night Football game drew a 2.3 overnight rating on ABC, down 52% from Ohio State/Northwestern last year (4.8) and down 26% from Nebraska/Ohio State in 2012 (3.1). Overnights have now declined for four of five Saturday night games on ABC this season.
Though down from last year, the Spartans’ victory edged LSU/Auburn on ESPN (2.0) and Arizona State/USC on FOX (1.9) head-to-head.
Earlier in the day, regional action featuring Wake Forest/Florida State in 60% of markets also drew a 2.3 overnight — down 18% from regional coverage last year (2.8) but up 21% from regional coverage in 2012 (1.9).
The Ohio State/Maryland early game drew yet another 2.3 overnight. There was no comparable window last year.
(Sat. overnights from Sports Business Daily)
