re: LSU v Alabama playing for another BCS title in Jan

Question regarding what creates a "media darling." These are usually associated with larger markets that can generate ratings for ESPN. However, there are those teams that are still considered "media darlings" that are not in large markets, i.e. Alabama and Notre Dame. Although they both have strong histories in college football and Notre Dame still seems to remain a "media darling" even though they are consistently terrible, it seems bama did not become this full fledged "media darling" until Nick Saban showed up and they started winning again.

Thinking hypathetically, if Nick Saban returns to LSU instead of going to Bama and there is no Les Miles, do you think LSU would be considered a "media darling?"

Thanks