Otherwise, what explains the disastrous TV rating for BYU's bowl game this year (which was still terrible even when comparing to previous years of the same bowl or comparing to similar matchups like SDSU vs. Navy). It also doesn't explain BYU's mediocre bowl ratings over the last decade either. I just think people here have a biased opinion of BYU football. I wouldn't expect any different.

I think lots of church members call themselves BYU fans. In fact, if I went to my ward back in Japan or here in D.C. and polled people about what team they cheer for, a huge percentage would say BYU. If I then asked them to name a single player or to tell me about one of BYU's games this year, I would get a blank stare from most. It's like my wife. If she was asked over the phone who she is a fan of, she would say BYU. But she couldn't name anyone on the team and she doesn't pay to see them play, watch their games on TV, or show much interest. That's why I think those numbers are skewed towards BYU. Look at BYU's TV ratings from their bowl games. They don't reflect the stats that are reference above at all. TV viewership is a much better indicator of true team popularity in my opinion.