It’s hard to explain to a non-sports fan just how much people love to analyze and discuss scorebugs.
But trust us, we’re well aware.
So we were not surprised to see ample discussion about ESPN’s new College Football Playoff scorebug, which debuted Friday night during the Notre Dame-Indiana game.
ESPN debuts a new scorebug and graphics for the College Football Playoff. 🏈📺 #CFP https://t.co/W6OLoQAM9b pic.twitter.com/zom3K4NceL
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 21, 2024
ESPN debuted a brand new set of sleek and modern graphics during the game and from the jump everyone seemed pretty thrilled with the results.
“Introducing ESPN’s new #CFBPlayoff scorebug and graphics package,” wrote Bill Hofheimer, ESPN’s VP of communications. “Our CFB production and Creative Studio teams put so much work into these packages. Readable, vibrant, clear footing, and sleek.”
Big fan of ESPN’s new scorebug at the bottom. Clear, clean and sharp.
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) December 21, 2024
Usually my eyes reject anything that’s different, but ESPN’s new score graphic for the CFP is elite
— Josh Graham (@JoshGrahamShow) December 21, 2024
I’m liking this new ESPN score bug.
— Whitney Harding (@WhitneyNBC4) December 21, 2024
The new ESPN scorebug is beautiful btw
— Tucker D. Franklin (@tuckerdfranklin) December 21, 2024
However, former Deadspin editor Tim Burke’s first thought was that it looked great as-is but might not work well when paired with ESPN’s BottomLine ticker. And when he saw that in action, his suspicions were confirmed.
so yeah it is indeed awful
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog.lol) December 20, 2024 at 5:29 PM
Sure enough, it does make for a very busy bottom of the screen.
We’ve suggested in the past getting rid of the BottomLine during games altogether, but that’s a discussion for another time.
[ESPN]
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.