After record ratings from the College Football Playoff semifinal games, the lack of buzz surrounding tonight’s game between Oregon and Ohio State is somewhat surprising.

Theory No. 1: No SEC Team

Is the absence of the almighty SEC really that impactful? Maybe.

It’s not likely that lacking an SEC team on the field results in less interest, but the absence of the SEC championship streak does leave a void. Fans tuned in to previous championship games to see if the SEC streak would continue, or if a team could finally knock off the SEC.

It’s a general rule in sports that an at-risk streak drives interest and buzz.

Additionally, whether you’re an SEC fan or not, the SEC has been such a focal point in college football in recent years that having the conference not be a part of a college football gameday is an adjustment at a minimum.

Theory No. 2: The Semifinal Games Are The Big Draw

The semifinal games of the College Football Playoff were a smashing success for several reasons. First, the lead up to the “final four” was months in the making. Weekly chatter reacting to selection committee rankings combined with dramatic on-field results made the road to the playoff quite exciting. The semifinal games themselves were the culmination of the season-long drama; the high ratings were no surprise.

The fact that the games were on New Year’s Day added to the excitement. New Year’s Day is college football territory, and the new playoff successfully took it back with the best and most important games of the season.

Does the excitement of the semifinals dampen the fervor over the championship game? Possibly, but it’s probably not avoidable. By nature of the system, two teams (and likely two regions of the country) will tune out to some degree simply based on elimination.

Theory No. 3: Too Much Time Has Passed

The fact that the championship game is played on January 12, 2015 isn’t necessarily a problem, but the gap between meaningful college football games could be.

Eleven days have transpired since the New Year’s Day games. Since then, there have been two weekends of NFL Playoffs. These NFL games have been dramatic and controversial (e.g. the Dez Bryant catch yesterday). As such, the NFL has taken over national conversation for much of fans and media.

How excited are you to watch the championship game?

Would you be more excited if an SEC team were playing?