There were many storylines leading up to last weekend’s game between Penn State and Ohio State, yet the most notable one did not involve either team. It might be a tired discussion, but FOX being able to snag a top-five matchup for their Big Noon kickoff was a disgrace.
Furthermore, FOX’s Michael Mulvihill, who performs analytics for the network, offered his angle on the viewership.
Last 25 Years of Ohio State-Penn State Games:
— Michael Mulvihill (@mulvihill79) November 6, 2024
FOX Big Noon Games - 9.4 million viewers
All Other OSU-PSU Games - 7.3 million
Look forward to running it back next year. https://t.co/TvxPAMl84S
Mulvihill is correct on the standpoint that this Penn State-Ohio State matchup outperformed the average of their previous meetings. He also is insinuating that the game next season will also be on FOX at Noon, which is to be expected at this point.
The tweet has left fans outraged in the replies, and for good reason. The Noon start time creates a lessened environment and does not give fans that “big game” feel. The entire build-up and fan experience gets ruined due to the Noon start time, while these top five matchups in college football should all commence after the sun sets.
Ruining the fan experience of a great tradition in the name of television advertising dollars is what college football is all about baby!!!
— Sully (@sullymygoodname) November 7, 2024
Don’t come back to state college
— Cameron Panase (@Panase31) November 7, 2024
Mulvihill fails to compare the game to other top-five college football matchups this season. Georgia has played two primetime games on ABC against Alabama and SEC newcomer, Texas.
Georgia and Alabama played each other on September 28th, at 7:30 on ABC. The game averaged 12 million viewers, and peaked at 14.1 million, across ABC and ESPN streaming platforms. It was the most watched regular season primetime game since 2017 until Georgia played Texas three weeks later.
Texas hosted the Bulldogs on October 19th, also kicking off at 7:30 on ABC. The game was the most-watched college football game of the season, and earned the highest audience for a game on ESPN platforms since 2016. It averaged 12.9 million viewers, also with a peak of 14.1 million.
It is evident that the Noon start time generates fewer viewers than the 7:30 primetime slot. FOX gloating about their ratings is rather laughable. It does not even compare to the under-the-lights matchups on ABC.