After Ohio State trounced Michigan State to take control of the Big Ten East on Saturday afternoon, college football fans in Columbus apparently spent their Saturday nights watching some of the nation's other big games to see how much College Football Playoff help the Buckeyes would get.
Columbus was the second-highest-rated TV market, with a 10.0 rating, for Saturday night's Notre Dame at Miami game on ABC, according to ESPN's public relations department. Notre Dame suffered its second loss of the season in that game, which could open the door for two-loss Ohio State to ultimately move ahead of the Fighting Irish if it wins out and wins the Big Ten championship. Miami, on the other hand, strengthened its playoff case with its 41-8 win, improving the Hurricanes' record to 9-0.
Columbus was the eighth-highest-rated TV market, with an 8.0 rating, for Saturday night's Alabama at Mississippi State game on ESPN. Those ratings likely surged near the end of the game, as Alabama was in danger of being upset before scoring two fourth-quarter touchdowns – including the game-winner with 25 seconds remaining – to escape with a 31-24 victory, maintaining its undefeated record and improving to 10-0.
