I would expect low ‘end of the game’ numbers for the Rose Bowl mismatch, as well. Doing a better job of matching opponents to avoid blowouts would help the ratings.
EVERY Jan 1 game was at least a 3 score blowout. Notre Dame played it the closest, only being blown out by 16 points.
On the 31st, Peach bowl was only a 14 point margin; Orange was 20 points and Cotton was 28 points.
Yeah, the games were uninteresting.
The commentators could have helped if they were outstanding, but they were far from that.