• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

SEC Upsets Fuel CFB Bowl Season Intrigue As Ratings Rise

The expanded College Football Playoff changed the meaning of the sport’s traditional bowl matchups, but those games are still putting out a good product.

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

In the first season of the expanded, 12-team College Football Playoff, non-CFP bowl games are staying relevant, despite being threatened by the sport’s ever-shifting landscape.

TV ratings, attendance, and quality of play have all been largely strong so far during Bowl Season, which is the official moniker for college football’s postseason matchups.

With the traditional New Year’s Six bowl games being a part of the CFP this season, the spotlight has been on other bowl matchups to deliver—and they have.

Upset Season

On New Year’s Eve, underdogs from the Big Ten upset two SEC teams that many felt were more deserving of being in the CFP than SMU or Indiana. Michigan beat Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, and Illinois defeated South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando. Both games had announced crowds of around 50,000.

The Valero Alamo Bowl drew 64,621 fans in San Antonio as BYU’s 36–14 rout of Colorado garnered an Alamo Bowl record TV audience of eight million viewers on ABC on Saturday night. That was likely the final collegiate game for Colorado stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, who is set to sign with Lil Wayne’s agency, Young Money APAA Sports, for on-field representation in the NFL. 

BYU-Colorado is the most-watched non-CFP bowl game so far this year. Through Dec. 28, non-CFP bowl games were up 18% in viewership compared to the same point last year, according to Nielsen ratings.

Not Done Yet

On Friday night, Minnesota and Virginia Tech will square off in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, where the winning coach will be doused in mayonnaise—one of many odd new Bowl Season traditions (including the Pop-Tarts Bowl ceremonial pastry sacrifice) that are becoming commonplace as game sponsors look beyond the field of play to gain attention.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Chad Ochocinco

Shannon Sharpe, Chad Ochocinco Settle $20 Million Defamation Suit 

It’s the second multimillion-dollar lawsuit Sharpe has settled in recent weeks.

Three Schools Sue Mountain West, Commish Over Withheld Funds

Boise State, Colorado State, and Utah State intensified the court battle.
Etienne

A ‘College Football RedZone’ Is an ESPN Gold Mine—in Theory

The network would have to strike new deals with its rivals.
Jan 16, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Micah Parsons (11) meets with owner Jerry Jones (center) and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) prior to the NFC Wild Card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory

Micah Parsons and 6 Other Cowboys Holdouts—and How the Standoffs Ended

A brief history of Dallas Cowboys contractual disputes.

Featured Today

Dec 14, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; President Donald Trump wave during the second quarter of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field

‘Political Gold’: Trump Putting His Stamp on College Sports 

Trump has embraced executive action on hot-button college sports issues.
August 3, 2025

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.

March Madness Fields Will Stay Put at 68—at Least Until 2027

NCAA tournament expansion is still on the table for 2027.
Stanford
August 1, 2025

John Donahoe Taking Over Stanford Sports After Rocky Nike Tenure

John Donahoe will be Stanford’s AD after a four-year stint running Nike.
May 4, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; The BYU Cougars against the Long Beach State 49ers at St. John Arena
August 4, 2025

Federal Judge Tells Stephen F. Austin to Reinstate Women’s Sports Teams

Schools may not be able to follow through on threats of cuts.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
NCAA Track
July 31, 2025

NIL Collectives Can Still Pay College Athletes, With Some Restrictions

NIL collectives will still play a pivotal role in recruiting.
Rutgers
July 28, 2025

Rutgers Finds New Athletic Director After Almost a Year

Rutgers’s previous athletic director, Pat Hobbs, resigned in August 2024.
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Mitchell Evans (88) runs the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
July 25, 2025

‘More Bark Than Bite’: What Trump’s Executive Order Means for College Sports

“This all comes down to Congress and the courts.”
July 24, 2025

UNC’s Bill Belichick Brings His NFL Swagger to ACC Media Days

UNC is becoming one of the most interesting stories in college football.