Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday Season, the NFL and Pro will be combined this week in News and Notes.
Funniest exchange: Bally Sports South's Tom Werme and James Bates having fun with the fact that Burt Reynolds went to FSU.
Werme quips,”It’s been The Longest Yard for Louisiana.
Bates retorts,”FSU might be The Best Little Defense in Florida!”
Best Timing Award: Fox Sports Brock Huard noting Baylor needs to get the TE’s involved in the game. Next play was a Baylor touchdown to Baylor’s TE Kelsey Johnson.
Funniest line: ABC’s Sean McDonough quips, after a 1924 clip of Red Grange was shown, “I think our friend Bill Raftery called this game back in 1924.”
Best stat: ABC’s Sean McDonough telling viewers at the end of the 3rd Quarter with Illinois leading Michigan, 17-10, that Michigan hasn’t trailed after 3 Quarters all year.
Best stat: BYUtv's Dave McCann telling viewers that BYU has 21 defensive starters out with injury coming into today.
Best line: CBS Sports Gary Danielson, after Georgia QB Stetson Bennett IV throws an interception vs. Kentucky, “The Gunslinger fired his gun way late on this one."
Best nugget: SEC Network’s Dave Neal telling viewers that credit should be given to former Auburn HC Gus Malzahn for the hiring of Cadillac Williams. Neal noted Williams was tied up for USFL duties and Malzahn fly to Texas to interview him.
Top nugget: SEC Network’s Dave Neal telling viewers that new Auburn AD John Cohen during interviews for coaches asks 58 questions.
Neal, who has decades of calling SEC football, should get a look as top play by play voice when the network gets the inventory of games from CBS.
Dreaded Glitch Award: SEC Network’s Tom Hart interview with Lane Kiffin was going in and out. Hart mic issue continues. Eventually Cole Cubelic had to do play by play until the mic issues could be resolved.
Best exchange: ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler as South Carolina goes up 28-14 on visiting Tennessee in 2Q.
Herbstreit: "You go on the road in the SEC, you better bring your fastball."
Fowler: "You better bring your defense, that's for sure."
Top observation: SEC Network’s Cole Cubelic notes on a missed 3rd Down botched possession by Ole Miss, “I don’t think Casey Kelly (TE) knew the play when it was snapped.”
Top explanation: Fox Sports Dean Blandino did an excellent job explaining that while 2 feet are needed in bounds to show possession in the pro's, in college it is only 1 body part. An arm or elbow is just as good as a foot or knee.
Enough is Enough: SEC Network’s Tom Hart has referenced how cold it is on the field 11 times already through a quarter and a minute and a half.
No complaints from Cubelic that does it weekly nor Jordan Rodgers. All are at field level for the game.
Dread Glitch Award: SEC Network’s Cole Cubelic’s mic stops during mid sentence discussing Charlie Weis Jr.
Class act: ESPN’s Chris Fowler paying homage to the passing of directors Ralph Mole and Jay Mullan that we’re ESPN originals. Both covered multiple sports for the network and both won multiple Emmy’s
Condolences to both families.
Top explanation: ESPN’s rules analyst Bill LeMonnier explaining that getting up under the helmet the openings is a personal foul face mask penalty.
Best line: ESPN’s Chris Fowler, as South Carolina goes up 56-31 on Tennessee: "This is an historic night for this Gamecock offense, and they are putting a skunking on the 5th-ranked Vols."
Best line: Fox Sports Gus Johnson, after UCLA throws an interception to seal USC’s victory in an instant classic thriller 48-45, “Their dreams of a College Football Playoff still alive.”
Homework Award: Fox Sports Tim Brando telling viewers when Iowa went up 10-0 over Minnesota that was huge in this matchup. Final score was 13-10. Iowa won the game.
Top analysis: Fox Sports Spencer Tillman noting that Iowa needs in the air to their running backs as it will create matchup with LB as they should that more often than not.
Best line: Fox Sports Tim Brando, “Iowa, its admiration, coaching staff they know who they are. They are well aware of what their program is all about and they are the envy of many teams around the country.”
Funniest exchange: Fox Sports Tim Brando to Spencer Tillman, “Do you know we have Petros in the studio today?
Tillman quips, “Do we really? So we have a Greek QB tonight?”
Brando retorts. “In honor of Kaliakmanis (Minnesota QB).”
Best moment: Fox Sports Tim Brando, w/his years of instincts understanding that winning teams win regardless of their weakness on offense may score with their defense. Two plays later Iowa intercepts. It should have been a pick 6. It was the D as noted that led to the winning FG
Dreaded Glitch Award: Patriots/Jets at Gillette Stadium has been delayed to 1:10 p.m ET due to technical issues. Those with DirecTV may have been wondering or for those that get the game in their region.
Best moment: Fox Sports Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma having a Turducken brought up to the booth and Vilma explained the way the Turducken was put together and both delved in and ate a piece.
Best nugget: Fox Sports Kenny Albert telling viewers the Turducken made its debut in 1989 in a game between the Saints/Rams. Ironically, Albert, Vilma, and Spake are on the call.
Best Timing Award: CBS Sports Andrew Catalon telling viewers the Bills WR Stefon Diggs had not caught a pass in the 1st half. Next play was a catch for a touchdown by Diggs.
Best Timing Award: Fox Sports Chris Myers, on a 4th & 3 for the Texans, tells viewers that Texans QB Davis Mills was more than capable in this situation to run for it and get the 1st Down. Next play was a run for a 1st by Mills.
Top stat: Fox Sports Kevin Kugler noting Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh isn’t afraid to challenge. He’s thrown the red flag 116 times in his career.
Best info: Fox Sports Dean Blandino, during Panthers/Ravens, explaining on a touchback call that a player once a player touches the goal line he must reestablish himself to down the ball. It was overturned by replay.
Best Maddenism: Fox Sports Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen.
Burkhardt, “If, the Colts and Lions hold on, the NFC East is truly up for grabs down the stretch. "
Olsen: "What was it John Madden used to say? Thanksgiving is when the season truly begins."
Top stat: Fox Sports Kevin Burkhardt telling viewers that NY Giants kicker Graham Gano is 0/2 on Extra Point attempts today.
Funniest exchange: Fox Sports Kevin Kugler and Mark Sanchez after Lamar Jackson punted the ball in frustration for a delay of game penalty.
Kugler: “Lamar knows the theme today. That’s what we’ve done all day. I can punt. Watch!
Sanchez: Team USA sign him up!
Game is 3-3.
Incredible stat: Fox Sports Kevin Kugler telling viewers that the Ravens have led in every game this season by 10 points or more in the 4th Quarter.
Top stat: Fox Sports Kevin Burkhardt reveals the last time the Lions won 3 in a row was 2017.
Funniest exchange: Fox Sports Kevin Kugler & Mark Sanchez, after a punter comparison was on screen in Ravens/Panther game
Sanchez: “I’ve never seen a punter comparison or graphic before like that.” All new demographic.”
Kugler laughs & quips, “Watching for the punters in bars”
Top stat: Fox Sports Kevin Kugler reveals that coming into today the Ravens had the second worst 4th quarter differential (-45) ahead of only the Rams.
Top stat: CBS Sports Tony Romo told viewers the Dallas' scoring troubles are based largely off their 3rd down percentage: 37%, good for 25th in the NFL.
Top stat: CBS Sports Jim Nantz revealed that the PI called on Dallas on Minnesota's 2nd series was only the 2nd PI called against the Dallas D this season.
Top stat: CBS Sports Jim Nantz notes the Cowboys D is the only D to have not given up an opening quarter TD this season.
Funniest line: CBS Greg Gumbel, after Bengals kicker Evan McPherson skipped past the ball when it blew over while he was approaching it, “Looked like something out of a 'Peanuts' cartoon."
Top stat: CBS Sports Tony Romo shares that the Cowboys are the only team in the NFL with 2 RB's with 4+ TD's rushing this season (Zeke & Pollard).
Strongest comment: CBS Sports Adam Archuleta as Bengals QB Joe Burrow has time to find open receivers vs. Pittsburgh: "If the 4 guts up front can get to Burrow, then you at least have a chance. So far, the pressure really hasn't been there."
Top nugget: CBS Sports Jim Nantz telling viewers that Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell worked in 2014 for CBS Sports. O’Connell was teamed with Ben Holden calling College Football games on CBS Sports Network.
Strongest comment: Fox Sport Mark Schlereth declaring, “Derek Carr and his receivers on not on the same page other than Devante Adams.”
Strongest comment: CBS Sports Adam Archuleta, as the Steelers face 2nd and 13 against the Bengals, “Their 1st down plays have not been good enough to be able to put them in a situation where they can extend their drives."
Top production: CBS, moments after Steelers' TJ Watt intercepts Bengals' Joe Burrow at the line of scrimmage, shows replay of him doing the same thing in the 2 teams' season opener.
Clever line: Fox Sports Adam Amin, as Raiders/Broncos are going into OT, “Al Michaels is still having nightmares about that Week 5 Denver/Indianapolis game that went to OT that ended in a Colts won.”
Best stat: CBS Sports Jim Nantz says the largest margin of loss by an 8-1 team at home was 40 points.
Best stat: Despite an 8-2 record, CBS Sports Tony Romo reveals the Minnesota Vikings have a negative point total of -2 after losing by 37 to Dallas. They had a +35 differential coming in.
Best stat: CBS Sports Jim Nantz revealed the Cowboys 40-3 win is the largest road win in Cowboys history.
Top reporting: NBC Sports Melissa Stark quickly getting an injury update on Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Best info: NBC Sports Melissa Stark telling viewers Chiefs DB Juan Thornhill is wearing custom cleats tonight in memory of the horrific events at the University of Virginia last Sunday. Thornhill is an alumnus of the school.
Hustle Award: Broadcaster Pete Medhurst, on Friday, called Navy’s OT win in Annapolis for Men’s Basketball. Medhurst caught a 10:45pm flight to Orlando to call Navy’s Football win over top ranked UCF (#20). Flew back to Annapolis to call Navy’s win over Youngstown State in hoops.
AROUND THE DIAL
CBS Sports will have Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, and Tracy Wolfson on the call for the Thanksgiving matchup between the Bills/Lions.
CBS Sports will have Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, and Evan Washburn on the call Sunday for Bengals/Titans.
CBS Sports will have multi-sport talent Andrew Catalon, keen analysis of James Lofton, and Amanda Renner on the call for Ravens/Jaguars.
CBS Sports will have multi-sport star Spero Dedes, Jay Feely, and Aditi Kinkhabwala on the call for Texans/Dolphins.
CBS Sports will have Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, and Melanie Collins on the call for Chargers/Cardinals.
CBS Sports will have Greg Gumbel, Adam Archeleta, and AJ Ross on the call for Raiders/Seahawks.
Fox Sports will have Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen, Erin Andrews, and Tom Rinaldi on the call on Thanksgiving for Giants/Cowboys.
Fox Sports will have Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, and ace reporter on the call for Buccaneers/Browns.
Fox Sports will have the voice of the World Series for generations to come in Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston, and Pam Oliver on the call for Bears/Jets.
Fox Sports will have the best interviewer in the business in Chris Myers, Robert Smith, and Jen Hale on the call for Broncos/Panthers.
Fox Sports will have multi-sport star Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez, and best story teller in Laura Okmin on the call for Saints/49ers.
Fox Sports will have Adam Amin, Mark “Stink” Schlereth, and Kristina Pink on the call for Falcons/Commanders.
Fox Sports will have Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen, and Erin Andrews on the call for Rams/Chiefs.
Fox Sports will have NASCAR guru Adam Alexander and Devin Gardner on the call Friday for Arizona St/Arizona. Game coverage begins at 3pm ET on FS1.
Fox Sports will have Guy Haberman and Will Blackmon on the call Friday for the matchup between Wyoming/Fresno State. Coverage begins at 10pm ET.
Fox Sports will have underrated Dan Hellie and one of the best analysts that knows each players high school and what they accomplished in Petros Papadakis. on the call between UCLA/Cal. Game is Friday with coverage starting at 4pm on FOX.
Fox Sports will have Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, and Tom Rinaldi on the call for Michigan/Ohio State. Coverage begins at high noon.
Fox Sports will have Jason Benetti, Brock Huard, and Allison Williams on the call for Iowa State/TCU. Coverage begins at 4pm ET. Game is the 2nd game of the triple header on FOX.
Fox Sports will have the voice of generations to come in Noah “Baby Bird Eagle, and Mark Helfrich on the call Saturday for Michigan State/Penn State. Coverage starts at 4pm ET on FS1.
Fox Sports will have Eric Collins and Devin Gardner on the call for Oklahoma/Texas Tech. Game coverage starts at 7:30pm ET on FS1.
Fox Sports will have the most prepared duo in the business in Tim Brando and Spencer Tillman on the call for the Sunflower Showdown between Kansas/Kansas State. Game coverage starts at 8pm ET and the last game of the triple header on FOX.
Fox Sports will have the multi-sport star Alex Faust and Petros Papadakis on the call late night Saturday night for BYU/Stanford. Game coverage begins at 11pm ET on FS1.
ESPNU will have the High School Game of the Week broadcast team of Connor Onion and Craig Haubert on the call of Bowling Green/Ohio Tuesday. Kickoff is scheduled at 7pm ET.
ESPN+ will have Michael Reghi and Jerod Cherry on the call of Ball State/Miami (OH) Tuesday. Kickoff is scheduled at 7pm ET.
ESPN+ will have Butch Alsandor and Jorge Vargas on the call of UAPB/Alabama State Thanksgiving afternoon. Kickoff is scheduled at 3pm ET.
ESPN will have Matt Barrie, Louis Riddick, and Harry Lyles Jr. on the call of Mississippi State/Ole Miss Thanksgiving night Egg Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled at 7pm ET.
Black Friday’s Early Affair features Tulane/Cincinnati live on ABC at high noon. Roy Philpott, Andre Ware, and Paul Carcaterra will be on the call.
ESPN will have Mark Jones, Robert Griffin III, and Quint Kessenich on the Lone Star State’s Black Friday Showdown between Baylor/Texas. Game kicks off at high noon.
ESPN+ will have Nick White and Desmund Lighten on the call of Southern Miss/UL Monroe Saturday. The UL Monroe production kicks off at 5pm ET.
ABC will have Dave Flemming, Rod Gilmore, and Tiffany Blackmon on the call of Oregon/Oregon State Saturday. Game kicks off at 3:30pm ET.
ESPN will have Brian Custer. Dustin Fox, and Lauren Sisler on the the for Minnesota/Wisconsin..
ESPNU will have Beth Mowins, Kirk Morrison, and Stormy Buonantony on the call of Tulsa/Houston Saturday. Game kicks off at 7:30pm ET.
ESPN Radio will have Marc Kestecher, Kelly Stouffer, and Ian Fitzsimmons on the call of Notre Dame/USC Saturday.
ACC Network will have Dave O’Brien, Tim Hasselbeck, and Kelsey Riggs on the call of Pitt/Miami Saturday. Game kicks off at 8pm ET.
SEC Network will have the best trio in the business in multi-sport star Tom Hart, Ken insights of Jordan Rodgers, and the analyst that breaks down film like no one else in Cole Cubelic on the call of Tennessee/Vanderbilt Saturday. Game kicks off at 7:30pm ET.
ABC will have Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and Holly Rowe on the call of Notre Dame/USC Saturday. Game kicks at 7:30pm ET.
ESPN will have Clay Matvick, Rocky Boiman, Dawn Davenport on the call for Washington/Washington State.
ESPN2 will have Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb, and Alyssa Lang on the call of UCF/South Florida Saturday. Game kicks off at 7pm ET.
ESPN will have Joe Tessitore, Greg McElroy, and Katie George on the call of LSU/Texas A&M Saturday. Game kicks off at 7pm ET.
ESPN+ will have Danny Waugh, Cole Neely, and Emily Grace McWhorter on the call of Appalachian State/Georgia Southern Saturday. The Georgia Southern production kicks off at 6pm ET.
ESPN3 will have AJ Ricketts and Cory Brooks on the call of Middle Tennessee/FIU Saturday. The FIU production kicks off at 6pm ET.
ESPN+ will have Brant Freeman, Keith Moreland, and Koral Riggs on the call of Louisiana/Texas State Saturday. The Texas State production kicks off at 5pm ET.
ESPN will have Wes Durham, Roddy Jones, and Taylor Davis on the call of Wake Forest/Duke Saturday.
ESPN Radio will have Mike Couzens and Max Starks on the call of Oregon/Oregon State Saturday. Game kicks off at 3:30pm ET.
ESPN+ will have Roger Twibell, Pete Cordelli, and Cori Keller on the call of Troy/Arkansas State Saturday. The Arkansas State production kicks off at 3pm ET.
SEC Network will have Dave Neal, Deuce McAllister, and Andraya Carter on the call of Louisville/Kentucky Saturday. Game kicks off Saturday at 3pm ET.
ESPN+ will have Kyle Youmans and Hek’ma Harrison on the call of Rice/North Texas Saturday. Game kicks off at 2pm ET.
ESPN+ will have Richard Cross and Taylor McHargue on the call of East Carolina/Temple Saturday. Game kicks off at 1pm ET.
ESPN+ will have J.D. Byars and Pat Greenwood on the call of Old Dominion/South Alabama. This South Alabama production kicks off at high noon.
ESPN+ will have Jay Burnham, Andy Gresh, and Matt Goldstein on the call of Army/UMass. This UMass production kicks off at high noon.
ESPN+ will have Matt Warner, Joe Jauch, and Emily Austen on the call of New Mexico State/Liberty. The Liberty Flames Sports Network broadcast kicks off at high noon.
ESPNU will have Drew Carter and Aaron Murray on the call of Coastal Carolina/James Madison Saturday. Game kicks off at high noon.
ESPN+ will have Chad Bush and Doug Chapman on the call of Georgia State/Marshall. This Marshall production kicks off at high noon.
ESPN will have Bob Wischusen, Dan Orlovsky, and Kris Budden on the call of Georgia Tech/Georgia Saturday. Game kicks off at high noon.
ESPN2 will have Jay Alter and Charles “Buck” Arbuckle on the call of West Virginia/Oklahoma State Saturday. Game kicks off at high noon.
ABC will have Sean McDonough, Todd Blackledge, and Molly McGrath on the call of Palmetto Bowl between South Carolina/Clemson Saturday. Game kicks off at high noon.
ABC’s Black Friday triple header concludes with the Florida/Florida State rivalry. Anish Shroff, Brock Osweiler, and Taylor McGregor will be on the call. Game kicks off at 7:30pm ET.
ABC will have Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek, and Tom Luginbill on the call of North Carolina/NC State Black Friday. Games kicks off at 3:30pm ET.
ESPNU will have Mike Corey and Rene Ingoglia on the call of Toledo/Western Michigan Black Friday at high noon.
Westwood One will have the astute Bill Rosinski and Ryan Harris on the call on Thanksgiving night for Patriots/Vikings.
Compass Media will have Kevin Ray and Danny White on the call of Giants/Cowboys Thanksgiving afternoon.
Compass Media will have Chris Carrino and Brian Baldinger on the call Sunday for Bears/Jets.
Compass Media will have Bill Rosinski and Chad Brown on the call Sunday for Chargers/Cardinals.
