College Football Ratings: ESPN announces impressive number for Iron Bowl between Alabama, Auburn

Rivalry weekend is always one of the best days of the college football season. The intensity of the matchups and the bitter hatred between both teams always helps to fuel enticing television matchups. And it was no different on Saturday night, as it was the most watched Rivalry Week since 2016, according to ESPN PR. The Iron Bowl between Auburn and Alabama drew 7.4 million viewers, according to ESPN.

The peak viewership for the game was 8.6 million.

Week 14 delivered, with @ESPNCFB's most-watched Rivalry Week since 2016!

🏈 @TexasFootball–@AggieFootball | 9.5M viewers
🏈 @GeorgiaTechFB–@GeorgiaFootball | 8.5M viewers – 11.5M peak in OT
🏈 @AuburnFootball–@AlabamaFTBL | 7.4M viewers pic.twitter.com/q0RxfoHISA

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) December 4, 2024

Alabama football brought home another Iron Bowl victory on Saturday, cruising to a 28-14 win over their rivals, the Auburn Tigers. Before the game, much was made of the pregame comments by Auburn linebacker Demarcus Riddick, who famously said that Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe was not faster than him.

Following the win, Alabama decided to remind Riddick of his comments.

Jalen Milroe had another great performance, throwing for 256 passing yards, while rushing for 104 yards and three touchdowns. He certainly has left his mark in Iron Bowl history the past few years. Crimson Tide wideout Germie Bernard hauled in seven catches for 111 yards.

Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne completed 24 of 41 passes for 301 yards, while tossing in a touchdown with one interception. Tigers receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith hauled in eight catches for 116 yards. Auburn’s freshman phenom, Cam Coleman hauled in seven catches for 78 receiving yards and a touchdown. No doubt about it, he’s got a bright future ahead of him.

Alabama had four turnovers, two fumbles and an interception by Jalen Milroe, which allowed Auburn to keep it closer.

The Tigers dropped to 5-7 overall on the 2024 campaign and their season is over. While the Crimson Tide improved to 9-3 overall and 5-3 in the SEC.

Alabama is currently ranked No. 11 in the latest version of the College Football Playoff Rankings. We’ll see what happens after this weekend’s conference championship games and if the Tide will be in the first version of the 12-team playoff.