Top analysis: ESPN's Dan Mullen sharing that what makes RB's like ASU's Cam Skattebo difficult to bring down isn't their size and strength, but it's difficult to get a grip on their uniform because of their low center of gravity and the ability to plow forward under most contact.
Top analysis: ESPN's Dan Mullen shares the key for tempo teams to be successful is to get their first first down ASAP since it allows them to start going faster and throw in additional variety in their plays.
Bad Camera Angles: On Texas State's first TD ESPN's cameras continued to follow the QB right up until he passed the ball. They then tried to follow the ball to a wide open WR, but the WR was in a blind spot. You didn't see him until after he caught the ball and began celebrating the TD reception.
Oops Award: ESPN's Dan Mullen has referred to San Marcos, TX (home of Texas State) as San Marco through the entire 1st Quarter.
Top analysis: ESPN's Dan Mullen pointed out a disadvantage to a fake blitz is it often gets defenders into coverage late and leads to big plays if you're against a quick pass QB.
Best Timing Award: ESPN's Matt Barrie shared that Texas State's first TD had come on the 15th play of their second series and that it was now the 15th play of their 3rd series. The play resulted in another TD, putting Texas State up 14-7.
Top analysis: ESPN's Dan Mullen shares one reason you don't force a pass on 3rd and long on the road with a young quarterback is you want to keep their esteem up. You don't want to put them in a situation where a turnover is possible in a 7-point game unless it's near the end of the game.
Class act: Fox Sports paying homage to the late James Earl Jones. Fox played the epic scene of Jones in Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner. Chris Myers also mentioned Jones’ role in The Sandlot.
Fox Sports Tim Brando and Devin Gardner have done a stellar job in the first game of Friday Night Lights. Both are making the game have a “big game” feel to it. Production team has been great on snaps and perfect sound levels. Live halftime report caps off a great debut.
Fox Sports Mike Pereria, explaining that at the end of the 1st half, the K State receivers must come to a complete full stop with 1 second pause. It was a false start. It would create a 10 second runoff and if officiated properly Kansas State should have had an another play.
Oops Award: SEC Network’s Taylor Zarzour, updating scores, says LSU leading South Carolina 17-0. Score was actually the other way around. Zarzour corrected himself (after commercial).
Top stat: Fox Sports Dan Hellie shares it has been more than 20 years since North Texas beat a Big XII team.
Top analysis: Fox Sports Petros Papadakis shares the last 10 yards are the most difficult to cover for RPO teams because defenses can compress the field. They don't have to spread out the coverage.
Top stat: After sharing that the achilles of most RPO teams is dropped balls, Fox Sports Dan Hellie shared 7 different Red Raiders have dropped passes in the first 2 games this season.
Funniest exchange: After Fox showed N. Texas HC Eric Morris played TE at Tech in 2008, Petros Papadakis quipped, "I didn't know they had TE's back then."
Hellie responded, "That's when they actually used TE's."
Top stat: Fox Sports Dan Hellie shared the 38 points in the 1st Half were the most in a half since 2022 against Murray State, when they scored 42. Additional scores would later adjust this to tie the most first half points scored by Tech ever at 52.
Top analysis: Fox Sports Petros Papadakis shares the reason you run up a score in the first half is because it allows you to play backups and build up depth in the 2nd Half without worrying about starters getting injured.
Strongest comment: ESPN’s Louis Riddick, in the kicking game of FSU, “FSU's kicking specialists have been their MVPs.”
Top info: Fox Sports Dan Hellie shares that what makes it difficult to be consistent in CFB now is the high player turnover. Take N. Texas. They have a NCAA 77 new players in 2024, so they have only 14 players total that can serve as mentors.
Top analysis: Fox Sports Joel Klatt explaining how the Wisconsin LB got wide and presented a huge whole down the middle for the 34 yard TD run for Alabama’s Jam Miller.
Top stat: ABC’s Chris Fowler, after LSU tight end Mason Taylor catches a go-ahead TD pass vs. South Carolina: "Not just a touchdown reception that gives LSU the lead, but he breaks the LSU record for most career receptions by a tight end, his 91st."
Top info: ESPN's Dave Pasch shared that while Hurricane Francine wasn't as severe as past hurricanes, it did affect the Tulane football team as they had to live out of a hotel in New Orleans for 2 days without regular team practice.
Top reporting: ESPN's Taylor McGregor shared that Tulane's offensive line problems have occurred because Oklahoma's D has continually been able to shift positions before the snap causing the line to have bad spots to power from.
Top observation: ESPN's Dusty Dvoracek questioned why Tulane wasn't snapping the ball faster with 3 minutes to go, but Dave Pasch pointed out it was impossible because the official was sitting on top of the ball to allow legal required substitutions.
Strongest comment: ABC’s Kirk Herbstreit after a 3-and-out by South Carolina backup quarterback Robbie Ashford vs. LSU: "Their passing game is pretty much out of business with Robby Ashford in -- it's either a quick pass or it's a shot downfield."
Dreaded Glitch Award: Referee's microphone does not work during announcement of Pick 6 -nullifying penalty on South Carolina vs. LSU on ABC.
Funniest comment: ABC’s Chris Fowler, after another referee microphone glitch: "I think he's used it so much the batteries have run out on Jason Autrey's microphone."
Top analysis: ESPN's Dusty Dvoracek shares the key most fans overlook when judging teams early on with new QB's is the early plays are designed to develop chemistry and flow and they'll evolve as the season progresses.
Funniest exchange: ESPN’s Dave Pasch" "That was a line drive kick that went under the cross bar. That might be a first for me."
Dusty: "You've been doing this a long time. I didn't think there could be any firsts for you."
Top reporting: CBS' Tina Cervasio reports that even though he isn't playing, Utah QB Cam Rising is wearing a communication earpiece on the sideline so he's used to it when he's able to come back.
Top analysis: CBS' Robert Turbin points out the most successful QB's avoid sacks by anticipating where their WR's will be before they ever look back and release it early for big plays.
Top analysis: CBS' Robert Turbin shares the most common reason a defense stops a QB is because of bad snaps- whether it be high or a fumble. It usually results in a turnover, sack, or fumble.
Top analysis: CW's Max Browne shares that Ole Miss is dangerous up front because their two Guards run over most defenders and create huge holes their RB's easily can run through for big yardage.
Top analysis: CW's Max Browne shares that you can't rely just on ball movement to determine if a ball is trapped. The ball can move on the ground as long as the hands maintain possession and don't trap it. The ground just can't complete the catch.
Top analysis: CW's Max Browne points out that high tempo offenses have a advantage if you go 3 and out because your D has typically had less than 2 minutes to rest. It causes more big plays to be given up as the game progresses.
Top observation: CW's Thom Brennaman points out that a disadvantage to pulling out your starters at Halftime is it usually means they don't know how to respond in pressure situations because they've been comfortable in early games.
Best timing: CW's Thom Brennaman shared that Ole Miss is one of the fastest strike teams moments before, "And that's another TD. Blown coverage leaving him as open as it gets. 14-3 Ole Miss. That's now 10 TD's fir the Rebs in less than 1:30 this season."
Top observation: CW's Max Browne shares that fans have to stop relying on the previous years info to determine how your team will be. When you lose 2 starters to the NFL and another 1-2 to the portal, you're going to look completely different next season.
Top information: CW's Max Browne shares that teams can't use the replay function on their interactive devices to shows refs missed penalties. Doing so is an unsportsmanlike penalty.
Top stat: CW's Thom Brennaman shares that through 3 weeks, since the 2 min TO was implemented, 85% of the time the team w/ the ball at 2:30 doesn't end the half with the ball.
Top information: CW's Thom Brennaman shares that when a team appears to have too many injuries, officials on the field can't investigate. It's up to the conference to investigate and penalize the following week if any injuries were found to be fake.
Top rules explanation: CW's Max Browne shares that in the interest of player safety, once a helmet comes off players must cease participating. Doing so helps prevent concussions and unnecessary accidents.
Worst timing Award: CW's Thom Brennaman State telling viewers Jackson Dart had completed 174 passes since his last interception against Georgia last year right before he threw a pick to Wake Forest.
Say what?: CW just aired a political commercial for the North Carolina governor race nationwide even though it's a state race.
Best line: Bally Sports Southeast's Tom Glavine, on NL Cy Young favorite Chris Sale, “If he goes out and doesn't have a good start, you're almost shocked!”
Class act: ESPN’s Taylor Davis, giving prayers and get well wishes to Auburn RB Brian Battie and his brother Tommie (deceased) both who were shot during the offseason. Davis wished Battie a healthy recovery.
Top analysis: CBS' Randy Cross shares the disadvantage to man-to-man D is it places your defenders downfield and makes open lanes for the QB if they choose to scramble.
Top analysis: CBS' Randy Cross shares that a misconception about targeting is that it must involve the crown of the helmet. However that's not the case. It must only involve forcible contact to a defenseless player.
Top analysis: Fox Sports Devin Gardner shares that a good QB doesn't give anything away at the line. They're careful not to look even at the backfield because it keeps the D guessing on a run or pass but also doesn't give away when a RB comes out to pass.
Top analysis: Fox Sports Devin Gardner shared that a disadvantage to playing a FCS school is if they have success against you, they provide every remaining team with better talent a blueprint on how to beat you.
Top info: Fox Sports Tim Brando points out that successful RB's can't just power forward. They have to have quickness to be able to get around the edge at any time on any play.
Top observation: Fox Sports Tim Brando pointed out a disadvantage to the transfer portal is most players are in it due to a lack of playing time, so they forget to do some of the basics like making sure you're past the maker before cutting back.
Top analysis: Fox Sports Devin Gardner shared that most RPO QB's have an advantage over the D Line. Because they have quick bursts they are difficult to contain, especially when they mix the rotation well.
Top stat: Fox Sports Tim Brando shared that since the transfer portal rules changed, CFB teams are averaging 30% of their roster to be new each season.
Best throwback: Fox Sports Tim Brando when talking about Kansas State QB Avery Johnson, "You know, if that blonde hair were a little longer it'd be a great throwback to Golden Richards. Those blonde locks are clearly ready to go."
Top analysis: Fox Sports Tom Brady shares the main reason you'll see a QB by himself on the sidelines if he's had a quick start is because the other players are afraid they'll throw him off his game if they get him too relaxed.
Top stat: Dallas Cowboys radio analyst Babe Laufenberg shares that Brandon Aubrey's 52 yard FG to put the Cowboys on the board tied the NFL record for most consecutive 50 yard FG's made at 13 consecutive.
Top analysis: Fox Sports Tom Brady shares that contrary to public belief, the best way to stop a pass rusher isn't double teaming him immediately. Instead you bring a second blocker with different timing from the side to swap blocking and throw off the rushers center of gravity.
Top analysis: Fox Sports Tom Brady shares most QB problems occur because the defense struggles and makes your QB feel pressured and forced to make plays even if they're having a good game.
Top stat: Fox Sports Curt Menefee telling viewers the Saints have had 14 possessions this season and have scored on all of them.
Top analysis: Fox Sports Greg Olsen shares the main key to stop quick tempo offenses is always take away the first option. It usually forces the QB to scramble and prevents most 1st Downs.
Top analysis: Fox Sports Greg Olsen shares the best way to prevent a team from running a 50/50 run/pass attack is to make sure you get a big loss on 1st Down. It forces the opponent into a pass situation and allows your D to focus on one side.
Top call: Fox Sports Kevin Kugler, "Tampa Bay came into this season asking why not us? Well Detroit's answer is Because It's Us. We're the Super Bowl favorites. We can't let you compete. "
Top analysis: Fox Sports Daryl Johnston shared Dan Campbell's approach is not to get the next potential big thing. Instead he's looking only for players that can be leaders for young men and set the example for everyone.
Top stat: Fox Sports Daryl Johnston shared that Tampa has had to rebuild through the draft because they're still having to pay off big Brady money. As a result 22 of their last 23 draft picks are still on the team.
Best line: Fox Sports Kevin Kugler, on Aidan Hutchinson, “It’s a high five for Aidan Hutchinson! His 5th sack of the day!”
Dreaded Glitch Award: CBS Sports losing audio feed as Kevin Harlan had to handle the play by play of the game break since Nate Burleson couldn’t hear him.
Top analysis: Fox Sports Daryl Johnston shares that most teams get wins by paying the fundamentals across the board through the entire game. They don't have a game where they let up on the opposing players.
Best info: CBS Sports Andrew Catalon noting that a controversial face mask penalty couldn’t be reviewed.
Top analysis: CBS Sports Charles Davis shares the best way to create holes at the line is consistent blocking. Consistent blocking not only protects your QB, but it opens holes through which you can pass or run.
Top stat: CBS Sports Andrew Catalon shared that during pregame warmup, Justin Tucker made a kick from 70 yards. Tiki Barber then quipped that pregame warmup is different because it's from a tee. You aren't taking into account snap situations up the center and pressure D that'll be blitzing.
Top analysis: CBS Sports Tiki Barber shares that when you are running you oftentimes look for the closest pass back option rather than the open pass back option. It leads to a lot of missed opportunities.
Top analysis: Fox Sports Mark Sanchez points out that when you lose a top receiver like Puka Nacua, it forces your RB's to become more involved and attack at the line. However it also allows defenses to place more at the line and create many 3rd and long situations that are difficult to overcome.
Top stat: Fox Sports Adam Amin shared that it has been 18 years since the Cardinals have had two consecutive games where they scored on their first 3 possessions until they did so this season.
Top reporting: Fox Sports Kristina Pink shared that Marvin Harrison Jr. has learned to ignore the comparisons between his father and himself. He knows people know who his father is, but he has to focus solely on his best performance, not the name on the jersey.
Top reporting: CBS' Aditi Kinkhabwala reported that Denver's coaches expected QB Bo Nix to be much better after 1 week and film studies, but they were worried that the rest of the team might not provide the protection needed to make him be the best he can.
Top analysis: CBS' Adam Archuleta points out that most of Bo Nix's struggles have been the inability of the offensive line to change tactics. It has led to rushed passes, sacks, dropped passes, and turnovers. It's made passing very inconsistent.
Top analysis: CBS' Tony Romo points out that wylie veteran defenders are much more tricky to deceive, because they realize when they have an unopened path to the QB some sort of trick play is ready. They know they likely won't reach him in time, so they stop and adjust to stop the play.
CBS' Tony Romo seems more comfortable in the booth this season. He almost seems to have stopped caring what critics say. It has allowed him to start throwing out references like Madden flashbacks flawlessly.
Top analysis: NBC's Cris Collinsworth points out most young QB's make the mistake of looking downfield until the last minute. Points out their best chance to develop is throwing short slant passes for a high percentage.
Top analysis: NBC's Cris Collinsworth points out that when a player is in the air, the line of possession is determined not on where they launch but when the ball crosses the sideline. It's possibly the most mismarked spot in the game when not challenged.
Top analysis: NBC's Cris Collinsworth points out when teams begin going for it on 4th, it's not all about the analytics. Oftentimes it involves going off the tempo of the game and determining how much rest your D needs.
Top analysis: NBC's Cris Collinsworth points out that when you go to a 5-man pressure, it gives the Center the biggest disadvantage because instead of assisting someone else blocking, they're forced to go one-on-one.
AROUND THE DIAL
Fox's MLB Game of the Week continues Thurs, Sept 19 w/ Philadelphia/NY Mets. Jason Benetti, '96 Cy Young winner John Smoltz, & the captain of bowties Ken Rosenthal will provide the call at 7pm ET.
Arizona/Milwaukee is the Alternate Fox MLB Game of the Week on Sept 19 at 7 PM. Adam Amin and The Polish Prince A.J. Pierzynski will provide the call.
ESPN will have Matt Barrie, former coaching star Dan Mullen, and Harry Lyles Jr. on the call of South Alabama/Appalachian State. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 12 at 7:30pm on ESPN.
The HBCU Duo of Tiffany Greene and the former Maryland House of Delegates debater Jay Walker return for an early SIAC Showdown between Edward Waters/Benedict. Kickoff is scheduled Thursday at 8pm on ESPNU.
ESPN will have the terrific tandem of Anish Shroff, Andre Ware, and Paul Carcaterra on Stanford/Syracuse. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 20 at 7:30pm ET on ESPN.
Fox Sports will have the newly minted team of Tim Brando, Devin Gardner, and Josh Sims featured in Lincoln as part of Fox's CFB Friday night. The trio will call Illinois/Nebraska Sept 20 at 8pm ET.
After this weeks CFB on FOX Friday night, Brando heads to Tampa to join Matt Millen for Broncos & Buccaneers Sunday on FOX.
ESPN will have "The Man Who Always Listens to Know What to Say" Sean McDonough, the QB whose analysis slices smoothly like a knife through bread Greg McElroy, and Molly McGrath on the call of NC State/Clemson. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at High Noon on ABC.
ESPN will have Arizona’s finest Dave Pasch, Stoops-Era All Name team member Dusty Dvoracek, and newly promoted Taylor McGregor on the call of Florida/Mississippi State. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at High Noon on ESPN.
ESPN will have boxing pxp expert Brian Custer, Rod Gilmore, and Lauren Sisler on the call of Kansas/West Virginia. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 14 at High Noon on ESPN2.
ESPN will have Mike Corey and the detective who has an eye on the ball Rene Ingoglia on the call of Tulane/Louisiana. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at High Noon on ESPNU.
ESPN will have ESPNLA’s finest Jorge Sedano, Orlando Franklin, and Morgan Uber on the call James Madison/North Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at High Noon on ACC Network.
It's back to basics for Fox's Big Noon Saturday as Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, & Jenny Taft will call Marshall/Ohio State. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at High Noon on FOX.
Fox Sports Dan Hellie and Petros Papadakis once again highlight the FS1 High Noon match. The duo will call Houston/Cincinnati Sept 21 at High Noon.
ESPN will have the longtime voice of the SEC Dave Neal, Georgia's own Black Mamba Aaron Murray, and Ashley ShahAhmadi on the call of Ohio/Kentucky. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 12:45pm on SEC Network.
ESPN will have Michael Reghi and Marcus Ray on the call of Ball State/Central Michigan. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 1pm ET on ESPN+.
ESPN will have Richard Cross, Taylor McHargue, and Tori Petry on the call of Arkansas State/Iowa State. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 2pm ET ET on ESPN+.
ESPN will have Anthony Lima and Je'Rod Cherry on the call of St. Francis (PA)/Eastern Michigan. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 2pm ET on ESPN+.
ESPN will have Shawn Kenney and Barrett Brooks on the call of Utah State/Temple. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 2pm ET on ESPN+.
ESPN will have the voice of the cardiac ending Joe Tessitore, the host of The Bachelor Jesse Palmer, and Katie George on the call of UCLA/LSU. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 3:30pm ET on ABC.
ESPN will have Mark Jones, "Rowdy" Roddy Jones, and the goalie who knows the best ways to make a save Quint Kessenich on the call of Arkansas/Auburn. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 3:30pm ET on ESPN.
ESPN will feature the Mike Monaco, Kirk Morrison, and Dawn Davenport call of Georgia Tech/Louisville. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 3:30pm ET on ESPN2.
ESPN will have Chris Cotter, Mark Herzlich, and Coley Harvey on the call of Rutgers/Virginia Tech. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 3:30pm ET on ACC Network.
Fox Sports will have Eric Collins and Spencer Tillman double up and start with Arizona State/Texas Tech. Coverage starts from Lubbock Sept 21 at 3:30pm ET on FS1.
ESPN will have Doug Sherman and Forrest Conoly on the call of Youngstown State/Pitt. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 3:30pm ET on ACCN Extra and ESPN+.
ESPN will have Ted Emrich and Charlie Strong on the call of Houston Christian/UTSA. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 3:30pm ET on ACCN Extra and ESPN+.
ESPN will have Jason Ross Jr. and Tyoka Jackson on the call of Buffalo/Northern Illinois. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 3:30pm ET on ESPN+.
Fox Sports reunites Jason Benetti, Brock Huard, and Allison Williams for another season of fun. The trio will call an early Big XII Championship potential between Utah/Oklahoma State. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 4pm ET on FOX.
ESPN will have Matt Schumacker and Dustin Fox on the call of Duke/Middle Tennessee. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 4pm ET on ESPNU.
ESPN will have the "Czar” Taylor Zarzour, the All-American insurance man Matt Stinchcomb, and Alyssa Lang on the call of Vanderbilt/Missouri. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 4:15pm ET on SEC Network.
ESPN will have Bob Wischusen, the safety who sees all the holes Louis Riddick, and Kris Budden on the call of Miami (FL)/South Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 7pm ET on ESPN.
ESPN will have Roy Philpott, Sam Acho, and Auburn's greatest hidden secret- reporter Taylor Davis on the call of California/Florida State. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 7pm ET on ESPN2.
Fox Sports will have Alex Faust and Robert Smith head to Seattle to call Northwestern/Washington. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 7pm ET on FS1.
It's a double down week for the HBCU Duo of Tiffany Greene and the former Maryland House of Delegates debater Jay Walker. They'll call North Carolina A&T/North Carolina Central Sept 21 at 7pm on ESPN+.
ESPN will have James Westling and Leger Douzable on the call of Wyoming/North Texas. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 7pm ET on ESPN+.
Louisiana Tech will feature the often forgotten Mr. Excitement Lyn Rollins, Chris Mycoskie, and Madison Kaufman on the call of Tulsa/Louisiana Tech. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 7pm ET on ESPN+.
ESPN's Chris Fowler bounces over from tennis and joins Kirk Herbstreit and Salt Lake greatest hidden secret Holly Rowe on the call of Tennessee/Oklahoma. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 7:30pm ET on ABC.
ESPN will have the recently announced team of Clay Matvick and Steve Addazio on the call of Akron/South Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 7:30pm ET on ESPNU.
ESPN will have upcoming star Jay Alter, the boy who doesn't want to grow up Rocky Boiman, and Ashley Stroehlein on the call of Bowling Green/Texas A&M. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 7:30pm ET on SEC+ and ESPN+.
ESPN will have Tom Hart, the keen insights of Jordan Rodgers, and the impeccable film study teacher Cole Cubelic on the call of Georgia Southern/Ole Miss. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 7:45pm ET on SEC Network.
Fox Sports will have rising star Connor Onion and Mark Helfrich on the call of Baylor/Colorado. Will Bolder have enough onions for the duo? Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 8pm ET on FOX.
ESPN will have the deep baritone, one of the voices of the South Wes Durham, Tom "Lugs" Luginbill, and Dana Boyle on the call of Michigan State/Boston College. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 8pm ET on ACC Network.
ESPN will have the longtime voice of LHN Lowell Galindo, Fozzy Whittaker, and Alex Chappell on the call of ULM/Texas. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 8pm ET on SEC+ and ESPN+.
Fox Sports concludes the night with the second call for Eric Collins and Spencer Tillman. The duo will call Portland State/Boise State. The game is scheduled Sept 21 at 9:45pm ET. It will start on FS2 and move to FS1 upon conclusion of Northwestern/Washington.
ESPN will have the voice of Giants radio Dave Flemming, “The Abrockalypse” Brock Oswelier, and Stormy Buonantony on the call of Kansas State/BYU. Kickoff is scheduled Sept 21 at 10:30pm ET on ESPN.
.png)
