The highest rated BCS title game ever: the USC-Texas classic in 2005 that drew a 21.7 rating. The Longhorns, who were over a touchdown underdog, trailed by 12 points with six minutes left, but won, 41-38, on the strength of Vince Young’s TD with :19 left. Young finished with 467 yards of total offense.

USC-Texas is the highest rated college football game since 1987.

Time to guess the Notre Dame-Alabama rating. Note: The 2006 Rose Bowl was on ABC, which everyone in the country has; tonight’s game will be on ESPN, which everyone doesn’t have. Nevertheless, I’ll go with a 22.2 rating, breaking the record.

But it won’t sniff the 2006 Rose Bowl rating if the game is a blowout, something that could happen. Hope Brian Kelly has a game plan that at least keeps the Irish in it for a half. My guess: Notre Dame 24, Alabama 20.

 

BOWLYEARTEAMSRATING
1. Rose Bowl2006Texas-USC21.7 *
2. Orange Bowl2001Florida State-Oklahoma17.8 *
3. Sugar Bowl2000Florida State-Virginia Tech17.5 *