Any publicity is good publicity, right?

Penn State football’s 44-31 loss against Ohio State Saturday garnered the highest TV ratings of week nine, according to a press release from FOX Sports. Over 8.2 million people tuned in to watch the Nittany Lions’ matchup with the Buckeyes.

8,273,000 viewers tuned-in for Ohio State’s victory over Penn State on FOX – delivering Saturday’s most-watched college football game on any network.

Through Week 9, FOX’s BIG NOON SATURDAY remains the most-watched game in college football. pic.twitter.com/hDnd8caYBl

— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) November 1, 2022

Not only was the game’s television audience impressive in the context of the week, but it was also one of the most-watched games of the entire season thus far.

Penn State and Ohio State’s 38th all-time meeting was the fourth-most watched game of the year, as of week nine, according to Sports Media Watch.

On the year, the conference matchup trails only Alabama-Tennessee in week seven (11.56 million), Alabama-Texas in week two (10.6 million), and Notre Dame-Ohio State in week one (10.53 million).

Saturday’s contest saw Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford throw for 371 yards and three touchdowns but also cough up four turnovers. On the opposite side, Ohio State defensive lineman JT Tuimoloau made a number of impact plays, dominantly racking up two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions — including one he returned for a touchdown.

Despite early concerns that the game’s noon time slot would hamper its ability to draw viewership, it’s safe to say it was a successful day for FOX.