TONIGHT ON TV Robert Bianco USA TODAY
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ESPN, 8:30 ET/5:30 PT For those wondering why the broadcast networks are airing so many reruns so soon after their holiday breaks, it’s because they don’t want to waste new episodes opposite ESPN’s football game. If you have no rooting interest in the outcome, then just hope for a good game that’s more competitive than most of the bowl games this year. (And no, a game that becomes competitive simply because a player is injured does not count as “good.”) And whether you are rooting for Clemson or Alabama, keep in mind that most of the players don’t yet count as adults — and temper your reactions accordingly.
TELENOVELA
NBC, 8:30 ET/PT Against the game, NBC is airing a fresh episode of Telenovela. On the plus side, this is another amusing outing from Eva Longoria’s new sitcom as rival telenove
la casts clash. On the minus side, it’s also another example of how lackluster casting in some key roles stops this often cleverly written show from coming across as well as it might.
CAKE WARS
FOOD, 9 ET/PT Love competition but don’t care about football? Food Network returns with another battle to see who can produce the most outrageous cake. The grand prize is $10,000 — which is less than some people pay for these kinds of creations.