One of the season’s most thrilling games unfolded Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where No. 4 Alabama took on No. 2 Georgia. “College GameDay” broadcasted its Week 5 episode from Alabama’s campus, drawing a huge crowd and millions of viewers. Alabama dominated early, holding a 30-7 lead by halftime, but Georgia mounted a comeback, taking the lead in the fourth quarter. Unshaken, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe responded swiftly, connecting with true freshman Ryan Williams for a decisive 75-yard touchdown. This play secured Alabama’s 41-34 upset over Georgia, with the game’s hype reflected in ESPN’s strong viewership numbers for “College GameDay.”
🗣️ @CollegeGameDay's momentum keeps rolling following a Wk 5 visit to the @UofAlabama
🏈 2.3M avg. viewers
🏈 3.0M final-hr viewers
🏈 UP 38% over '23's Wk 5
🏈 Best Sept. episode since '10 & 2nd-best all-timeThe premier CFB pregame program is on pace for it's best season EVER pic.twitter.com/4Sz9RhFlSL
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) October 1, 2024
The show averaged 2.3 million viewers, hitting a peak of 3 million during its final hour. This represents a 38% increase compared to Week 5 in 2023, making it the most-watched September episode since 2010 and the second-highest in the show’s history. With Nick Saban’s involvement and Pat McAfee in his second season, “College GameDay” is on track for a record-breaking year. The energy, insight, and enthusiasm the show delivers every Saturday morning have struck a chord with fans, contributing to its growing success.
