Chick-fil-A & Outback Bowls Score Big Ratings for ESPN

As the 2012 season nears its conclusion, ESPN posted two of its top four most-viewed non-BCS bowl games ever with the Chick-fil-A and Outback Bowls over consecutive days. The New Year's Eve telecast of the Chick-fil-A Bowl, No. 14 Clemson defeating No. 8 LSU 25-24, averaged 8,557,000 viewers on a 5.6 household coverage rating, making it the network's most-viewed non-BCS bowl ever. The New Year's Day Outback Bowl, No. 10 South Carolina beating No. 18 Michigan 33-28, is ESPN's fourth most-viewed non-BCS bowl ever with an average of 7,583,000 viewers on a 4.9 household coverage rating.

In addition, this season's action has produced ESPN's 14th most-viewed non-BCS bowl game telecast with the Valero Alamo Bowl. The December 29 matchup, No. 23 Texas upending No. 13 Oregon State 31-27, averaged 6,757,000 viewers on a 4.8 rating.

ESPN's extensive post-season action will conclude with three games over three straight days highlighted by the season-ending Discover BCS National Championship (Monday, Jan. 7, at 8:30 p.m. ET) between No. 1 Notre Dame and No. 2 Alabama. ESPN, ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN will present the action, as will ESPN 3D.

Additional ESPN telecasts include the BBVA Compass Bowl pitting Pittsburgh vs. Ole Miss on Saturday, Jan. 5, at 1 p.m. and the GoDaddy.com Bowl matching No. 25 Kent State vs. Arkansas State on Sunday, Jan. 6, at 9 p.m.

To post a comment, you must register and login.