Fox Earns 8.3/15 For Fiesta Bowl

As college football takes its usual New Year’s spot on the front page of sports sections and at the top of sportscasts, many have their eyes on Fox, which embarks on its first year of covering the BCS. While preliminary Nielsen ratings for Monday night's Fiesta Bowl thriller show a 7.8% decline from comparable bowl coverage on ABC last year, talent reviews so far have been solid for Fox. Meanwhile, Allstate’s title sponsorship of tonight’s Sugar Bowl is examined amid complaints from some insurance policy holders about post-Katrina claims, and Nick Saban’s departure from the Dolphins to Alabama stirs up more questions about universities spending on their athletic programs.

Many Happy Returns
WUSA reportedly lands three new investors with hopes to relaunch in ’08.

Beverage Of Choice
Maria Sharapova inks reported $1M deal with PepsiCo to tout Gatorade, Tropicana brands.

Tough Nut To Crack
Emerald Nuts gets better Super Bowl ad real estate for similar price paid last year.

All In A Night’s Work
ESPN’s “MNF” most-watched series in cable TV history; NBC’s “SNF” helps network to overall ratings gains.

New Year’s Resolution
Zygi Wilf pledges to take more hands-on role in Vikings’ football operations.

Sole Of The Game
DirecTV in talks for exclusive rights to MLB’s out- of-market TV package.

Love ‘Em Or Leave ‘Em?
Denise DeBartolo York says preference is to stay in S.F., but team does not embrace city’s new stadium plan.

NFL In Mourning
Murder of Broncos CB Darrent Williams keeps issue of athletes and violence in the headlines.