College Football TV Ratings: Top 10 most-watched games of Week 6
Week 6 saw another huge slate of games, including an incredible rivalry game. That resulted in more impressive TV ratings for college football, according to Sports Media Watch.
Oklahoma vs. Texas was one of the most exciting games of the day as the two teams square off at the Cotton Bowl. It came down to the final minute when the Sooners found the end zone to upset the No. 3-ranked Longhorns, 34-31. As a result, it was also the highest-rated game of the day — but not by much.
More than 7 million people also tuned in for Alabama vs. Texas A&M in a game that could play a major role in deciding the SEC West champion. Of course, there were some other notable games, including No. 25’s upset victory over No. 10 Notre Dame and USC’s double-overtime victory over Arizona that got the full Pac-12 After Dark experience.
Oklahoma vs. Texas
Channel: ABC/ESPN2
Date/Time: Oct. 7 – noon ET
Viewers: 7.87 million
The Red River Shootout certainly lived up to its name last week as Oklahoma fought off Texas to win the highly anticipated showdown. As a result, the Sooners moved up to No. 5 in the AP Top 25, and the victory had some of the highest TV ratings of the college football season so far.
Texas A&M vs. Alabama
Channel: CBS
Date/Time: Oct. 7 – 3:30 p.m.ET
Viewers: 7.23 million
Alabama vs. Texas A&M had some major implications in the SEC West since both teams came into the game undefeated in league play. The Crimson Tide ultimately came away with the 26-20 win at Kyle Field despite trailing at halftime and are now in first place in the division.
Notre Dame vs. Louisville
Channel: ABC
Date/Time: Oct. 7 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Viewers: 5.12 million
Louisville punched Notre Dame in the mouth early in the Fighting Irish’s third straight prime time game, and the Cardinals didn’t let up en route to the 33-20 victory. Jeff Brohm’s group looked strong in the effort, which saw more than 5 million fans turn to ABC for some impressive TV ratings.
Maryland vs. Ohio State
Channel: FOX
Date/Time: Oct. 7 – noon ET
Viewers: 4.51 million
Maryland looked like it was preparing to pull off a stunner at The Horseshoe, but Marvin Harrison Jr. and Ohio State turned things around to get a 37-17 home victory. FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff” game once again delivered as the matchup turned in the fourth-highest TV ratings in college football from Week 6.
Kentucky vs. Georgia
Channel: ESPN
Date/Time: Oct. 7 – 7 p.m. ET
Viewers: 3.19 million
Kentucky entered Week 6 with some momentum on the heels of a victory over Florida, but the Wildcats were no match for a Georgia team that looks to find its stride. Carson Beck had a monster day on a big stage as the Bulldogs continued their run of dominance with a 51-13 win.
Michigan vs. Minnesota
Channel: NBC
Date/Time: Oct. 7 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Viewers: 3.06 million
Michigan once again dominated on both sides of the ball against Minnesota, cruising past the Golden Gophers 52-10 in prime time as part of the Big Ten’s new slot on NBC. Despite the blowout, more than 3 million people turned to NBC, marking the third time the network drew that audience this season.
Virginia Tech vs. Florida State
Channel: ABC
Date/Time: Oct. 7 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Viewers: 3.02 million
Florida State continues to have its sights set on an ACC title, and the Seminoles got another easy win out of the bye week, defeating Virginia Tech 39-17. FSU has been one of the most impressive teams in the country this season and remains a big draw from a ratings perspective.
Arizona vs. USC
Channel: ESPN
Date/Time: Oct. 7 – 10:30 p.m. ET
Viewers: 2.55 million
In a game that went until 2:30 a.m. ET, Caleb Williams and USC came through in double overtime to hold off Arizona in a thriller. More than 2.5 million people stayed up for the game, which saw Williams make a huge two-point conversion in the extra period to help the Trojans stay undefeated.
LSU vs. Missouri
Channel: ESPN
Date/Time: Oct. 7 – noon ET
Viewers: 2.34 million
LSU vs. Missouri was another exciting finish in the noon window, and it was Jayden Daniels’ Tigers knocking off Brady Cook’s Tigers 49-39. LSU has been up and down to start the year, but Daniels’ Heisman Trophy candidacy continues to grow amid impressive TV ratings.
Kansas State vs. Oklahoma State
Channel: ESPN
Date/Time: Oct. 6 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Viewers: 2.27 million
ESPN got a nice TV ratings win with its Friday night college football slate. Oklahoma State entered the game against Kansas State as a home underdog, but the Cowboys pulled off the 29-21 victory to stun the reigning Big 12 champion in front of more than 2 million people.
With conference play approaching, college football looks like it can continue its impressive TV ratings run. There are more key games this weekend — headlined by Oregon vs. Washington in the 3:30 p.m. ET window and USC vs. Notre Dame at 7:30 p.m. ET — which means there’s plenty at stake ahead of the stretch run.