So about the complaints that the NCAA Tournament is somehow more bland without any huge upsets and a Sweet 16 loaded with top seeds? Ratings were up during the opening weekend.

Through Sunday, the 2009 NCAA Tournament is averaging a 5.4/12 overnight rating on CBS, up 6% from a 5.1/12 through the same point in ’08. Coverage on Sunday averaged a 6.4 overnight rating, up 10% from a 5.8 last year, and Saturday’s games averaged a 6.3 overnight, up 5%.

It’ll be interesting to see now if those ratings continue into this weekend where there are quality matchups across the board.