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New Year's Eve Bowl Games not good for ESPN's ratings

The Cotton Bowl may have been good for the Alabama Crimson Tide and its fans, but advertisers on ESPN might tell a different story. Television ratings for the College Football Playoff semifinals dropped approximately thirty six percent from last season. Bear in mind that 2014 game was played on New Year's Day instead of New Year's Eve for the Tide rout of Michigan State. Some fans reportedly grumbled over having to change to their New Year’s Eve plans to travel to Dallas for the game, or watch on TV. ESPN announced the overnight ratings Friday. The Cotton Bowl cleared the way for Alabama to face Clemson for the College Football Championship. The Tigers beat Oklahoma to win their chance at the title.

Pat Duggins is news director for Alabama Public Radio.
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