I know this is an NCAA football forum and we are all fans but the reality is that NCAA football is a regional sport, focused mainly in the SE and Midwest.
I didn't realize this myself until a few years ago. Went on a cruise with family after new years during the playoff. 8 other people showed up in the sports bar to watch the games. Thats it, only 8 people on a huge ship with 1000's of people. When the NFL wild card round came on, the entire place was packed.
Just look at the ratings, NFL is king. College football isn't doing anything to help itself either but that's a longer story for another thread.
