FanPost

SC/Ohio St. Sets ESPN Ratings Record

What is seemingly unimportant news to Bruin fans is actually a major plus.

The Southern California-Ohio State thriller is the most-viewed college football game ever on ESPN.

USC's 18-15 come-from-behind win Saturday night drew nearly 10.6 million total viewers, more than any regular-season or bowl game on the network. ESPN said Monday that the 7.3 rating was its highest for a college football game since Florida State-Miami 15 years ago.

Regardless of our thoughts about the Trojans, this is just another piece of evidence that they are compelling to most of the country. While USC plays the role of villain, people tune in to watch. Now, how does that relate to UCLA? Going back to the topic of the Pac-10 and what Larry Scott can do as new commissioner, we find new TV deals at the top of his priority list. There are still a few years left on the current TV deals that have hamstrung this conference for years, but TV deals aren't struck overnight.

When Scott and Co. sit down at the table to discuss the conference's new TV deal, you can bet they bring the ratings from this game up. High ratings for games involving any Pac-10 team is good for UCLA. The Morgan Center is having issues raising money for the Pauley renovation. Jackie Robinson Stadium needs a complete overhaul. Other facilities could use a facelift. The athletic department's budget has been cut and employees have been put in an unfortunate situation. Being able to greatly increase our television revenue would go a long ways to fixing those problems and allowing us to compete with the other schools around the country. Keep on rooting against SC, but do so with your eyes focused on the TV every time they and every other Pac-10 team plays.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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