“SEC ON CBS” RATINGS ROLL WITH ALABAMA’S WIN OVER LSU

CBS Sports’ coverage of the SEC ON CBS on Saturday, Nov. 3, which saw No. 1-ranked Alabama defeat No. 5-ranked LSU, 21-17, in prime time, earned an average overnight household rating/share of 7.0/13, the highest rating on any network-to-date in the metered markets for a college football game in the 2012 season.  The previous high-to-date in 2012 was a 5.9/11 (Notre Dame-Oklahoma; 10/27; ABC)

Last night’s game rating peaked at 9.3/17 (11:00-11:30 PM, ET) and 9.3/18 (11:30-12:00 MIDNIGHT)

* * * * *

► “INSIDE INFORMATION”

(On NFL looking at a Developmental League)

JASON LA CANFORA: It's something they've studied in the past, and it's come into focus now with the demise of the UFL.  There are people within the competition committee who believe there could be a 4-to-6 team bus league that replaces what used to be the World League of Football.  You have guys here in the spring playing in smaller U.S. cities.  Scouts could be there.  It's easier to get around.  It's something that could come before the owners for a vote in the spring at the ownership’s meeting if they can build a consensus in the competition committee on exactly which plan to move forward with.  

Click to view: http://www.cbssports.com/video/player/nfl-on-cbs/di366d5waC7I

►QUICK HITS

(Coaches on the Hot Seat)  

BOOMER ESIASON:  I think Romeo Crennel.  I think Ron Rivera, Norv Turner; it seems that every week he's upanddown fighting for his job.  There are going to be five or six changes because there always are.  Bill (Cowher) knows this better than we do, it's part of the business.  You take a job and you know that you're there to be fired if your team does not respond to who you are.

(On Philaladephia head coach Andy Reid staying with QB Michael Vick)

SHANNON SHARPE:  If Michael Vick cannot win this game against the New Orleans Saints tonight, he has no choice but to go to Nick Foles.

DAN MARINO:  I don't think they should even consider taking Michael Vick out as a starter.  He gives them the best chance to win.  Nick Foles is a rookie.  He's unproven.  He hasn't even played in a regular-season game.  How do you take a guy that's as dynamic as Michael Vick out and put in a rookie?  I understand the turnover issues.  They still have a chance for the playoffs.  So they have to play him as long as they can.

(On Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco)

BILL COWHER:  When it comes to playoff time, this guy is taken them to two AFC Championship games.  If Lee Evans doesn't drop the ball last year in the end zone, they're going to the Super Bowl.  So this guy has won playoff games in the past.  There is a lot more being asked of him this year because the defense is not as good.  I think he's a guy you can win a championship with.  

(On Miami Dolphins)

BOOMER ESIASON:  I believe the Miami Dolphins will be in the postseason due in large part to their number two run defense.

► SHANNON SHARPE SITS DOWN WITH DENVER’S PEYTON MANNING

THE NFL TODAY’s Shannon Sharpe sat down with Denver Bronco’s new quarterback Peyton Manning to discuss how he has fared after half-a-season with his new team.  Jeff St. Arromand is the producer.

Click to view: http://www.cbssports.com/video/player/nfl-on-cbs/XgZwJd2AovZl

(On Peyton Manning)

BOOMER ESIASON:  After his third year in the league I said it then and I’ll say it now, he's the smartest football player that's ever stepped on the field.  Nobody is better than he is.  

► Hurricane Sandy affected millions of people along the Eastern seaboard over the course of this past week.  Many of the New York Giants players including Eli Manning, Victor Cruz and Justin Tuck sat down with THE NFL TODAY to discuss how they were affected and how they plan to help their fans.

Click to view: http://www.cbssports.com/video/player/nfl-on-cbs/hQbVLiscV3N4

* * * * *

CBS Sports Contacts: in studio at 212/975-1796