Not only was LSU’s historic 46-41 win over Alabama this weekend viewed by a massive audience, university officials are also hoping it will translate to boosts in fall enrollment applications as well as philanthropic giving to LSU.
Less than two days later, it’s uncertain whether the Tigers’ victory over the Crimson Tide propelled a rise in the number of out-of-state applications to LSU, or if it led donors to give more philanthropic gifts to either the LSU Foundation or Tiger Athletic Foundation. But LSU certainly has an engaged audience, according to recent viewership data.
With a 9.7/24 national household rating/share, Saturday’s matchup was the highest-rated regular season college football game on any network in eight years, CBS Sports announced Sunday. Overall, the game drew in an average of 16.636 million viewers, peaking at 20.610 million viewers from 6 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Still, LSU spokesman Ernie Ballard says there hasn’t been a rush of enrollment applications thus far, adding it’s likely too early to gauge what kind of effect the game had on out-of-state student interest in LSU. However, it’s generally understood the victory will have a positive impact on recruiting, particularly out-of-state.
The win also comes eight months into LSU’s $1.5 billion Fierce for the Future systemwide fundraising campaign, which recently topped the $800 million mark, says Sara Whittaker, senior director of communications and marketing for the LSU Foundation.
Whittaker says the Foundation should be able to determine sometime in the spring how LSU’s now-undefeated football season has affected donor giving. LSU quarterback Joe Burrow also has a connection to LSU Online, she adds, which could boost donations in that arena.
“Historically, when LSU has done very well in football, there has been some level of positive impact on fundraising,” Whittaker says. “Our assumption is that there is a tremendous spirit among our fans, so perhaps they’re more inclined to show that pride by making a gift and investing in LSU.”
Meanwhile, the Tiger Athletic Foundation declined to comment before this morning’s deadline, not knowing immediately the game’s impact on donations.
LSU could rise to No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings, which will be released Tuesday night from 7-8 p.m. on ESPN.
