Story by
USC Back in the Spotlight After Win Over Ohio State Produces Top-Tier Ratings
- Story by
- USC Back in the Spotlight After Win Over Ohio State Produces Top-Tier Ratings
Support Local Media - Click to Add LA Sports Report as a Preferred Source on Google
The USC Trojans got more than just a big win over then-No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday night.
They also had millions of eyeballs watching what seems to be a season-saving win.
Advertisement
NBC Sports revealed on Tuesday that about 7.1 million people watched the win on average, making it the most-watched Big Ten Saturday night game of the season.
What do the big ratings mean for USC football?
USC being featured on NBC had become somewhat of a joke , but this 30-18 win over the Buckeyes proved that NBC Sports was right to be placed in the Trojans.
In college football, television exposure can play a much larger role than it does in other sports.
With 138 teams in the highest level of college football and only 12 making the College Football Playoff, swaying voters is key to a team's success, especially if that team, like USC, already has a couple of losses.
Advertisement
USC getting national exposure on a broadcast network means more voters are getting to see the Trojans at their best, and so are many recruits.
The top high school football players in the country are often focused on the NFL, and success like USC's on Saturday can then breed more success.
What's at stake for the Trojans with such national exposure?
Late last month, NBC announcer Noah Eagle told Ryan Kartje of the Los Angeles Times that USC is "intriguing — not only in Los Angeles, but nationally," resulting in their continued coverage.
"College football fans want to see if they can get over the hump," he said. "Can Lincoln Riley get them there?"
Advertisement
That's been the question of this season, and after a tough los to Wisconsin, it seemed the answer was a firm "no."
Now that Riley and the Trojans beat USC, though, the answer is much less definitive.
If USC can embrace the spotlight and pull off some more big wins, especially with huge TV audiences, Riley is likely to hold onto his job, which is widely considered one of the best in the sport.
One more loss in front of millions, though, and Riley is likely to find himself packing his bags.
So while the Trojans are rightfully enjoying the spotlight this week, they should remember how quickly a crowd can turn.
The post USC Back in the Spotlight After Win Over Ohio State Produces Top-Tier Ratings appeared first on LA Sports Report .
