In fairness, a huge part of their job is to hold viewers. After the game Herbstreit said that he knew that the game was over early but his role didn't allow him to say it. He had to continue to help viewers find reasons to keep watching, which means helping them believe that Notre Dame was still in the game/still had a chance.The Media would have another excuse for yet another 'LOVE FEST' with our opponent. I love the last five minutes of the game, when the talking heads abandon ship, and acknowledge us as the winner...
As for next year, if Alabama is in it again the entire story will be the three-peat. The other team will have a hard time getting any press.