Despite the thrilling action on the field, last Thursday’s College Football Playoff semifinal featuring Notre Dame and Penn State didn’t capture the same level of attention as the previous year’s Rose Bowl clash between Alabama and Michigan. That game is remembered as an all-time classic, drawing in a staggering audience. In stark contrast, the recent matchup saw a significant drop in viewership.
Viewership Numbers Tell a Story
Blain Crain highlighted the stark difference in viewership between the two games. He pointed out that only 17.8 million people tuned in to watch the Notre Dame-Penn State semifinal, a sharp decline from the 27.8 million who watched Alabama-Michigan the year before. This drop is particularly striking given that the Notre Dame game was tightly contested. Crain posed a thought-provoking question: "What could explain this?"
Understanding the Audience: A Regional Perspective
Jake Crain offered an intriguing metaphor to explain the disparity in viewership. He likened the College Football Playoff to an all-you-can-eat buffet that excludes certain demographics. "It’s like opening up an all-you-can-eat buffet and not letting fat people in," he remarked on "Crain & Company." He emphasized that the buffet represents the College Football Playoff and its target audience, which is heavily concentrated in specific regions of the country.
Jake Crain elaborated on this point, stating, "The reason the viewership was down is because the region that cares the most about college football—the southeast—wasn’t represented." He noted that while Texas is in the south, it doesn’t fall within the southeastern region that has historically shown the most passion for college football. This absence undoubtedly contributed to the drop in viewership.
Impact of Selection Process on Ratings
The selection process for the College Football Playoff also plays a crucial role in determining television ratings. Despite Notre Dame’s status as one of the largest brands in college football, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has dominated the landscape for much of the 21st century. Jake Crain expressed his surprise at the inclusion of SMU over Alabama, suggesting that such decisions are influenced by business considerations. "If you wanna make haircuts, you wanna cut people with hair. That’s how it works," he quipped, drawing a parallel to the dynamics of college football.
Alabama’s presence in the playoffs could have changed the narrative entirely. Had the Crimson Tide been on the same side of the bracket as Notre Dame, they would have faced Penn State in the opening round—a matchup that wouldn’t have guaranteed a win for Alabama, especially considering the competitive spirit shown by the Nittany Lions against the Fighting Irish.
The Power of Regional Representation
The southeast region’s influence on college football cannot be overstated. This area has produced numerous powerhouse programs and passionate fan bases that elevate the sport’s profile. The absence of teams from this region in the playoff not only affects viewership numbers but also the overall excitement surrounding the event. Fans gravitate toward teams they feel a connection with, and when their local teams are absent, enthusiasm wanes.
Jake Crain’s observations highlight a critical aspect of college football’s popularity: the regional loyalty that fans exhibit. He emphasized that the southeast is unparalleled in its dedication to the sport, making it essential for the College Football Playoff to feature teams from this area to maximize viewership.
What Lies Ahead for College Football Playoff?
As the College Football Playoff continues to evolve, the selection committee faces the challenge of balancing tradition with the need for broader representation. The recent drop in viewership serves as a wake-up call, reminding stakeholders of the importance of regional representation. The playoff’s success hinges not only on the quality of the matchups but also on the emotional investment of fans across the country.
In conclusion, the College Football Playoff is not just a competition; it’s a cultural phenomenon that thrives on regional pride and loyalty. As we look ahead, it will be fascinating to see how the playoff adapts to ensure that it remains a must-watch event for all college football fans. The numbers tell a compelling story, and it’s one that the playoff committee must heed if they want to keep the spirit of college football alive and thriving.
