UConnJim posted...
"The viewership stats on FSU and many schools are skewed because of the teams they play. If FSU is playing an SEC team, Clemson, or Notre Dame, they get really good ratings. Generally, if they are playing an ACC school, not so much. ESPN put 6 FSU games last year on either the ACCN or regional sports network and they put only 2 Clemson games on the ACCN. I think that kind of shows ESPN's view of which team draws better ratings."
Why sure...the opponent affects viewership as does the time slot and channel that you are assigned...you are selling one narrative and I may have a different view. By the by, FSU-Wake drew 2.48 million and that is not shabby.
Last year, following a 7-6 season...FSU was on five ABC prime time (3:30 and 7:30) slots and one prime 7:30 ESPN slot. That's showing a little respect in scheduling for a previously 7-6 team.
As an aside, defending and ultimate national champion Georgia had four of their games on SECN/RS1.
But I do agree that viewership is a function of your teams ability to get plugged into prime viewing slots and the attractiveness of the matchup.