[DC 86]

I say either match-up enjoys the same high ratings: One's a re-match with a team having something to prove, the other involves EUTM who's always having to prove something. Compelling.

That's fine, but your opinion is not shared by people in the media business. Note that the least viewed college football championship game dating back to 2009 (excepting last year when all sports ratings took a massive hit) was the Alabama/LSU rematch in 2012. There's a reason why rematches are avoided in all the bowl games to the extent that ESPN can control the matchups. An intersectional matchup featuring teams from the two top conferences is what ESPN is hoping for.

[DC 86]

I say either match-up enjoys the same high ratings: One's a re-match with a team having something to prove, the other involves EUTM who's always having to prove something. Compelling.

That's fine, but your opinion is not shared by people in the media business. Note that the least viewed college football championship game dating back to 2009 (excepting last year when all sports ratings took a massive hit) was the Alabama/LSU rematch in 2012. There's a reason why rematches are avoided in all the bowl games to the extent that ESPN can control the matchups. An intersectional matchup featuring teams from the two top conferences is what ESPN is hoping for.