Cam Newton may have matched Tim Tebow’s on-the-field season record of 20 passing and 20 rushing touchdowns, but he hasn’t matched the star power of the GPOOE™, at least as far as SEC fans go.
… And Auburn blowing out South Carolina drew a 6.3 overnight rating, translating to 6.3% of the 56 urban markets measured for overnights. That’s down 47% from Florida-Alabama in last year’s SEC title game and down 39% from those teams playing in the 2008 title game.
By the way, don’t miss Jimmy Johnson’s quote about Cam in the linked article.
Get The Picture 
Tim Tebow’s absence may be a factor in the rating decrease, but wasn’t last year’s game a 1 vs. 2 matchup, or close? Also, Auburn and SC don’t have the national branding of Florida and Bama.
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I agree that a #1 vs #2 match-up in 2009 was more important factor. Plus it was the second straight year that #1 vs #2 match-up occured. Plus the 2008 SECCG was one of the most compelling and interesting SECCG games ever. Most people thought the 2009 would be the same.
But other than all this, the 2009 must have been all about Tebow.
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On second reaction, I think the Senator is tongue in cheek with this post too.
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Gotcha!
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Part of me thinks there has been a deal made between Cam and NCAA that he agree to turn pro in exchange for them keeping him eligible so the NCAA can put this mess to bed. Otherwise it will be a constant thorn in their side. I guess it is just the cynical part of me.
It was refreshing to see so many announcers going after the NCAA ruling this weekend. They have opened pandora’s box.
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I thought the same thing about some kind of deal. I’m wondering if the FBI asked the NCAA to take it easy for now until they can get more on the AU boosters allegedly providing the slush funds. Maybe players and coaches get immunity in return for testimony about alleged payoffs in casino chips, rigged slots, preloaded ATM cards and such. NCAA gets to “look good” showing how it helped the FBI bag the bad guys (“ignore the men behind the curtain…”).
Lockout or not, I think Newton is gone, as he should be. At least AJ seems interested in getting a degree and likes college.
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“he’s going to leave Dodge before the posse comes to town” Jimmy Johnson
Just how many years of eligibility does Cam have? NCAA won’t get into town any sooner then when they arrived in Los Angeles!
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Yawl just don’t git it Awbun fans go to the clubhouse in the trailer parks to watch the game and be Aul in, so they only got one tv on.
All the Carolina (e) fans were at the game.
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I hear Gary Danielson has already bought the ring and is going to pop the question to Cam before the Heisman ceremonies. Tim’s taking it okay — he figured Danielson for a love em and leave em type.
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It will be interesting how an NFL lockout would further cloud this mess if Cam HAS to come back next year.
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That’s an interesting question…
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Well, in the eyes of the NCAA, he’s eligible.
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Yep, they Aul in. How’d you like to be manning the phones at the NCAA this morning?
“Ah, Mr. Emmert, Mr. Delany is waiting on line two.”
I have no real proof of this, but if there is a lockout, and Cam does come back to Awbun, I suspect it will upset the best laid plans of a lot of folks.
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I’m sure his Dad can renegotiate his current contract for next year.
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Meyer has become the Sarah Palin of the SEC in misspeak and hypocricy.
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One can only assume “our era” is now officially the briefest in recorded history.
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+1 for both youse guys.
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In other Athens news, Big Zach resurfaces (no, not Mettenberger).
http://onlineathens.com/stories/120510/new_745904361.shtml
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If there is a lockout and Cam does go back to AU there should be a big raise after leading his team through the SEC playoffs and into the championship game. Too bad for Cam that Kiffin is under probation by the League and can’t enter the bidding. Fat Cats getting fatter and 90% of the kids that are getting busted up on the field leave with a piece of parchment, if they are lucky, and smart. Then they enter a rotten job market. Thanks for the memories Son, sorry ’bout the knee.
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