Thanks to USC, Ratings Soar for Freedom Bowl in L.A. Market

Buoyed by USC’s presence, television ratings for Tuesday’s Freedom Bowl increased 115% over last year’s game, according to figures released Wednesday by the A.C. Nielsen Co.

KCAL Channel 9’s airing of the Raycom telecast of Fresno State’s 24-7 victory over the Trojans drew a 9.9 rating in the Los Angeles market, which includes Orange County. With each rating point equivalent to 49,657 households, it means about 491,000 households were tuned in.

Tulsa’s 28-17 victory over San Diego State in 1991 had a 4.6 rating.

Despite the increase, the Freedom Bowl trailed some situation comedy reruns and game shows, including “Wheel of Fortune” which had a 12 rating from 7-7:30 p.m. on KABC Channel 7. A “Roseanne” rerun on the same station was Tuesday’s most-watched show with a 17.3 rating.