Why go guess: ACC Network's Orlando Franklin doesn't like to guess penalties. On one flag Franklin wasn't sure if a penalty would be holding or defensive interference. While holding was called, the bigger call was an unguessed intentional grounding.
Unnecessary abbreviation: Throughout broadcast ACCN Orlando Franklin constantly telling viewers that receivers have this many YAC yards. Each time he did so, he had to clarify YAC was Yards After Catch. If you feel you have to clarify an abbreviation, then don’t use in broadcast.
Top info: ACC Network's Marilyn Payne telling viewers that after Bethune-Cookman lost their starting QB to injury, it shouldn't hurt their offense too much because replacement Tylik Bathea was already scheduled to play in the game in multiple packages.
Top Analysis: ACC Network's Orlando Franklin telling viewers that the most common offensive penalty on 3rd and short is a false start because it's not unusual for the offensive line to jump while anticipating the snap count to make sure their block opens up a guaranteed runway.
Best line: ESPN's Dan Mullen telling viewers "Controlling time of possession in a game is overrated. You want to protect the ball and play a clean game. Doing so will let the game develop on its on and prove you don't need luck."
Say what?: ESPN's Matt Barrie told viewers the reason Miami QB Tyler Van Dyke has had so much success the past 2 weeks is because he has awarded him the coveted helmet sticker on ESPN's College Football Final.
Top observation: CBS' Sports Robert Turbin, "The big difference between Utah State QB's Cooper and Hilstead is Cooper has the experience and knows when to play it safe, but Hilstead gets the ball out quick and has the big play potential."
Top analysis: ESPN's Andre Ware stating that Army's defensive pressure occurs because they are patient and wait for a play by using the formula see it, read it, and then explode to the ball, usually for a loss.
Top observation: ESPN's Anish Shroff noting that it is difficult to come back against Army if you fall behind by multiple scores because Army continues to run out the clock with their run game. Quick passes are needed to counteract it.
Top Stat: While previewing Monday Night Football's DH, ESPN's Anish Shroff shared Pittsburgh has won 20 straight Monday night games with the last loss coming to the NY Giants back in 1991.
Oops Award: On a kickoff return for a TD, Fox Sports Gardner, "Virginia's D has no contain." However Virginia's defense wasn't on the field. It was special teams, & NCAA's kickoff rules make it where you can't establish containment until you're making contact w/opposing team.
Top Analysis: Fox Sports Devin Gardner telling viewers the disadvantage of practicing with a QB that isn't game ready and isn't playing is that it causes your line to get familiar with their cadence and leads to more false starts when a different cadence is used.
Top stat: ESPN’s Dave Pasch telling viewers that BC QB Thomas Castellanos on the opening drive of the game for 76 yards was the most since Matt Ryan.
Funniest exchange: Fox Sports Joel Klatt telling colleague Gus Johnson, “I bet you had some speed.” Johnson quips, “No, no, slowest black man in the world.”
Tony Romo Award: ESPN’s Jesse Palmer consistently deferring to Tessitore on his thoughts on a play on replay. The analyst needs to give his opinion.
Best line: ESPN's Dusty Dvoracek telling view, “Jordan Travis loves Mike Norvell because, “he's never lied to me, he coaches me hard, and he's always helping me grow."
Top Stat: ESPN's Dave Pasch said the reason Boston College continues to struggle is because they're shooting themselves in the foot. With 11 penalties today they've tallied 30 in 2 1/2 games.
Best line: ESPN’s Dusty Dvoracek telling viewers, “There is a lot of trust between Jordan Travis and Keon Coleman and there should be. I think he’s one of the best receivers in college football.”
Top analysis: Even though a review was upheld, BTN's Brock Vereen had no problem with a Louisville challenge. "They've had all the momentum this far as have a 3 TD lead. Do everything you can to stop Indiana's momentum this drive."
Top growth: BTN's Connor Onion tells viewers that Indiana's Jalen Lucas is perhaps the most improved player in the game. "They've taken him from being a special teams specialist to 20+ touches a game." Vereen responds, "At this rate he's headed for 50+ touches today."
Top Analysis: BTN's Matt Millen telling viewers even though Wisconsin is in the game at 7-7, their 3rd Down conversion rate (1-8) is as bad as it is because every failed conversion has been more than 5 yards to gain. "They aren't doing the necessary fundamentals to have a chance”
Top illustration: BTN's Matt Millen uses the fact that Wisconsin has had 3 illegal formations called today with 4 or more men in the backfield as a perfect example of how offenses can cost their team all momentum. The most recent cost Wisconsin a 4th Down conversion.
From bad to worse: 3 plays after an illegal formation cost Wisc a 4th Down conversion, Wisconsin challenges a GSU TD. After the TD stands, Millen quips, "These plays have cost Wisconsin everything. 1st the 1st Down, then a touchdown, a timeout, and finally their lone challenge."
Best exchange: ESPN Dave Pasch, You can blame officials all you want, but the number of penalties BC is committing illustrates a lack of fundamentals from coaching staff.” Dvoracek cuts in, “The record for BC is 17 in a game. With 13 today 34 minutes in it's likely to fall." BC finished with a new record- 18.
Top Stat: CW's Tom Werme shares that even though VMI is considered a NC State football rival and that this is the 21st meeting, the last time they played each other was in 1946.
Best line: HBCU Go's Antoine Bethea, “The biggest mistake in football in the redzone is trying to force the ball into the endzone after a mistake. It's much better to let your offense build momentum w/FG than suffer a 4th Down failure when your D has given up less than 50 yards."
Top Analysis: ABC's Dusty Dvoracek, "On a 4th and short pass you always want to force the offense to move the pocket. Doing so forces the receivers to also move making it easier to force them out of space and prevent the conversion from occurring."
Top exchange: CBSSN Malik Zaire notes Liberty's D is so fast, they’re forcing turnovers, getting hands up for pressure, & making it feel like there's 12 onfield. Knapp, “That speeds advantageous, this case dropping the ball is better than a turnover bc you've got better position.”
Top foresight: CW's James Bates shared that NC State would let VMI have quick slants all days because it can lead to increased turnovers and 3rd and longs. On the next play, VMI QB Collin Shannon throws a pick six to give NC State the 14-0 lead.
Top graphics: ESPN shows that after 24 unanswered points by Florida State, Boston College has responded with 19 unanswered points.
Top Analysis: ESPN's Dusty Dvoracek noting the reason BC has been able to get back in the game is because they have been consistently aggressive even when it hasn't been successful. Tom Luginbill chimes in, "They've been able to consistently turn negatives into positives.”
Top info: ESPN's Kris Budden shares that while she wasn't able to get information for certain, Alabama is expected to start Buchner at QB today.
Top info: ESPN's RG3 shares that while Buchner is familiar with Tommy Rees from their time at Notre Dame, both Rees and Buchner had to learn a new offense this year as they're running a pre-existing Alabama offense, not the offense Rees ran at Notre Dame.
Top Analysis: ESPN's Robert Griffin III states advantage to running an up-tempo offense is it gives your D time to rest if you get a 1st Down. However if you fail to get a 1st it's a disadvantage because it places your defense out on the field more often & tires them out easier.
Strongest comment: ESPN’s RG III, on Alabama new starting QB, “The Quarterback play has been atrocious today!”
Top Stat: SECN's Dave Neal telling viewers that since starting 0/1, A&M QB Connor Weigman has gone 9/9 for 117 yards and a TD.
Top Reporting: SECN's Taylor Davis says she doesn't know why and the team hasn't shared any info, but A&M's leading receiver Evan Stewart, who had 27 receptions in the first 2 games, is not in pads today and will not be playing.
Inside info: ESPN’s Bob Wischusen telling viewers though players have been cleared to return to field after the weather delay; the cameramen aren’t allowed to return to usual positions. Wischusen explained this is why viewers are seeing usual cameras shots/angles from production.
Top reporting: ESPN’s Kris Budden reporting on the lack of leadership on the Alabama sideline in a 3-3 tie seconds before half. Budden notes in 2 quarters there isn’t any of it. No player getting in other players faces telling them to let’s get our act together.
Top Clarification: SECN's Dave Neal clarified they have been told Evan Stewart is nicked up & unable to play but that the injury isn't significant that he should return soon. He also clarified that while Stewart has been targeted 27 times, he only has 19 receptions this season.
Top Stat: SECN's Dave Neal tells viewers that with 4:04 left in the 1st Half A&M has totaled 296 yards on offense and a 20-3 lead despite being without Stewart. "This offense looks unstoppable."
CBS Sports, as ESPN takes over the SEC, Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson will start a little early for CBS Sports Big Ten partnership. The duo will call Iowa/Penn State next Saturday night.
Top Analysis: CBS' Gary Danielson says South Carolina's QB Rattler failed to convert a 4th and 15 not only because it was just underthrown, but also because Georgia's D was playing the lines and ready to tackle them before they made the 1st Down marker when it was thrown short.
Top info: CBS' Gary Danielson telling viewers that Georgia's goal today isn't a blowout. It's to get to 20 consecutive wins. Meanwhile South Carolina's top goal is to get its 2nd win over a #1 ranked team.
Best Timing Award: CBS Sports’ Gary Danielson points out Rattler has made multiple big plays, but he wonders if Rattler has a 4th and 20 in him. Moments later Rattler throws his 1st interception of the season.
Top Stat: CBS' Gary Danielson points out that if Georgia can run the table this season, they'll tie the FBS record of 28 consecutive wins.
Top interview: CBS' Brad Nessler shares that in pregame interviews, South Carolina HC Shane Beamer said, "The hardest thing in college football isn't coaching the players. It's coaching against a good friend who knows how you think."
Funniest replay: Bally Sports South catches a fan tossing his bucket of popcorn at a foul ball during Braves/Marlins game.
Top report: ESPN Tori Petry interviewed Texas Tech HC Joey McGuire who said, "All our goals are still in play. The past 2 weeks & this week are a dress rehearsal. Many good teams have started 0-2 & gone on to good things, including my 1992 Dallas Cowboys team that won Super Bowl.”
Top Analysis: ESPN's Ryan Leaf telling viewers that Tarleton's success against Tech's offense on the first series (3 and out) shouldn't be a surprise. Tarleton's D practices against the same time of offense everyday. Tarleton runs the exact same offense.
Top comparison: ESPN's Ryan Leaf shares that while Tech and Tarleton both run the same offense, there is one huge difference. In addition to the air raid focus, Tarleton also runs for about 200 yards a game, giving them a two-faced attack.
Best Timing Award: ESPN's Noah Reed wondered if both defenses were good enough to start 3 and out moments before Malik Dunlap picked the ball and returned it for a pick 6.
Best comment: CBS Sports Ross Tucker after Vanderbilt's Patrick Smith fights for 5 yards on what at first appeared to be no gain vs. UNLV, “Patrick Smith -- he put butter on his jersey!"
Dreaded Glitch Award: No audio for sideline reporter Justin Walters' first report from Vanderbilt/UNLV on CBSSN.
Top information: ESPN's Noad Reed shares that Tarleton head coach Todd Whitten is Tarleton's winningest coach in his 14th year. However that tenure has been through 3 different stints as head coach.
Top analysis: ESPN's Ryan Leaf says you should usually open up games by trying to pound because it loosens up the D. Tahj Brooks followed with a 39-yard run.
Best line: ESPN's Ryan Leaf shares, "The main reason for a FBS team to play a FCS team isn't to get a guaranteed win. It's to allow your offensive and defensive lines to develop good blocking patterns downhill in actual game competition."
Strongest statement: ESPN's Rod Gilmore tells viewers he thinks Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson is the best QB in the SEC because of his passing yards but that KJ himself feels underappreciated, underrated, and under valued because he reads the critics thoughts.
Top foresight: ESPN's Rod Gilmore said Arkansas's primary focus tonight is developing a run game with Rocket Sanders out injured. On the next play AJ Green broke tackles and outran BYU's defensive backs for a 55 yard TD.
Class act: ESPN’s Bob Wischusen giving a shoutout to legendary Alabama radio broadcaster Eli Gold that is not traveling for road games. Wischusen wished him the best and said it wasn’t the same for Alabama football home and away.
Best analysis: CBSSN’s Ross Tucker after Vanderbilt speedster London Humphreys scores on a 56-yard touchdown pass: "This is a poor coverage from UNLV. A safety is not gonna be able to stay with a wide receiver like that."
Best line: Fox Sports Spencer Tillman, after a 57 yard catch by Cougars WR Samuel Brown, “What can Brown do for you? If you have a lot of protection he can do a lot. He can beat man coverage and go up and climb. His hands are excellent.”
Top foresight: ESPN Brian Custer after seeing BYU RB Deion Smith enter game, "Don't be surprised if we get a sneak attack. Smith led Colorado in rushing last year, but he has QB & WR skills from high school." On the next play BYU WR Kingston threw a 37-yard pass to Smith for a TD.
Best Stat: CBS Sports Chris Lewis telling viewers, “UNLV hasn't had a punt return for a touchdown in 22 years." (They're still waiting.)
Top Analysis: ESPN's Rod Gilmore states Arkansas's rushing problems have allowed BYU to climb back from a 14-0 deficit. "Since that 55 yard TD run, Arkansas has 7 rushes for -1 yards. They've got to find someone to attack consistently."
Top call: ESPN's Brian Custer, "As much as BYU has struggled with running and 3rd Downs, they're a perfect 6/6 in TD's in the redzone this season. Make that 7/7. Martin's pounded it in to give BYU the lead."
Top exchange: While discussing why the SEC has struggled in non-conf FBS games, Custer asked Gilmore why that is. Gilmore, "I think it all comes down to the transfer portal. Look at BYU. They brought in 60 players. And look at Coach Prime in Colorado. It's all transfer portal."
Top analysis: Fox Sports Spencer Tillman, on a TCU attempt of a trick play, tells viewers that was going to be a double pass into the outside but free safety Adari Haulcy was behind it and deterred it. His presence didn’t allow it to happen.
Funniest exchange: Fox Sports Spencer Tillman, after a shanked TCU PAT on a bad snap quips, “Tim, that looks like your 7th tee shot.” Brando retorts, “Those babies have been in mothballs since August.”
Strongest comment: CBS Sports Ross Tucker, after Vanderbilt fails on a pass into the end zone against UNLV:, “There's a lot of bad there. It's a bad decision, it's a bad throw, and it's a bad drop."
Best stat: Fox Sports Tim Brando telling viewers that in FBS football there are 133 DI football teams in FBS. 68 of the punters were born in Australia.
Self-deprecation Humor Award: Fox Sports Tim Brando, having a blast in the booth with colleague Spencer Tillman, jokingly disagreeing with Tillman on whether Cougars QB Donavon Smith got out of the end zone. Brando quips, “Always the contrarian play by player.”
Best stat: Fox Sports Tim Brando telling viewers that Houston has the most missed 4th down conversions in the country. They are 2 for 8 this season.
Best analysis: Fox Sports Spencer Tillman explaining a “smoke screen,” Tillman tells viewers it’s an illusion. It comes out quick like smoke and not able to defend it. Play went for 19 yards.
Strongest statement: Fox Sports Tim Brando telling viewers. “I said this before when the Big 12 added the 4 teams that the most immediate impact would probably come from BYU especially because they have grown men but long term I think Houston is going to have a tremendous impact.”
Class act: Fox Sports Tim Brando telling viewers the broadcast booth they called the game from tonight is named after colleague Jim Nantz. Spencer Tillman chimes in with a classic Nantz line of “Hello friends” to pay homage as well to Jim Nantz.
Top observation: Fox Sports Spencer Tillman noting the Cougars are trying to blitz but the thing about it is if you crowd the line of scrimmage and he gets past you that is nothing but air and opportunity behind it. Sure tackling is what they are going to have to improve on.
Top interview: Fox Sports Tim Brando, when talking to Kendal Briles, shared that while he and Garrett Riley run spread offenses, they are fundamentally different. Riley's O was inspired by Mike Leach's. Briles O is inspired by Art Briles.
Top Analysis: Fox's Spencer Tillman sharing that Houston's earliest defensive woes have been replacing the pass rush. They keep trying different formations, but so far nothing is successful because the players haven't executed.
Top Analysis: Fox Sports Spencer Tillman sharing the disadvantage to the pass rush is if you can get by the initial line, there's nothing to stop you. It's all open air and opportunity.
Great charity announcement: Fox Sports Tim Brando sharing that TCU has a special charity set-up that's worthwhile. For every FG TCU makes, they are donating $20 to the National Autism Society. The set-up was made by TCU players.
Top reporting: Wofford's Van Hipp, "HC Shawn entered w/ 3 focus points: 1) Cleaning up fundamentals, 2) keeping the defense off the field, and 3) controlling the flow through running the ball." The score was 10-10, but Watson wasn't happy because they were losing all those areas they practiced.
Top analysis: CBS' Aaron Taylor sharing that while Kansas may be one of the most balanced teams in the nation averaging 250+ rushing and passing per game, their entire mantra this season is "We haven't done anything yet. We need to prove we're more than what paper stats show."
Top Analysis: CBS Sports Rich Waltz sharing that while Kansas has an excellent offense and defense, penalties have been what has consistently hurt them. Holding and personal fouls continually stop their momentum.
Top Stat: CBS Sports Rich Waltz sharing that Nevada's 13 consecutive losses is the current longest losing streak in the FBS. "Whether it's turnovers, short fields, or bad coverage, they continue to find a way to shoot themselves in the foot."
Top Analysis: ESPN's Je'Rod Cherry sharing that the key to any successful defense begins with penetration up front. "The penetration may not always result in a tackle for a loss, but it lets you get in the head of your opponent and always tell them you are there."
Top Analysis: ESPN's Je'Rod Cherry shares, "Another key to a successful defense is maintaining your composure. Don't be quick to rush on a play that you think is one thing. Doing so opens up the field and can leave open space for the opposition to make easy plays in."
Say what: ESPN's Jay Alter said, "You can tell it's a rivalry game when there's a trophy on the line." Yet there's a lot of rivalries where there's no trophy on the line, including but not limited to BYU-Utah, Texas-Texas A&M, and Notre Dame-Michigan.
Top Analysis: ESPN's Rene Ingoglia said the key for any back-up QB to be successful is to sit in the pocket and relax. You can't let the gametime pressure dictate your play. It leads to mistakes that ultimately cost you.
Bowl Game Disadvantage: ESPN's Jay Alter shares that one of the bowl games disadvantages is if you have a successful bowl game & return to college, you've given every opposing coach next year an early opportunity to target you and figure out how to stop your attacks.
Top Analysis: ESPN's Rene Ingoglia shares, "One of the defenses advantages is you can often start a player in an out position, have them cut to the inside as the play begins, and often they'll come through with no contact and cause a loss because they come from a 'jacked' position."
Top Preview: NBC's Todd Blackledge sharing the key to beating Syracuse is to contain QB Garrett Shrader. He's a dual-threat with 55 TD's that makes things capable, but if you can keep him in the pocket you take away his legs and his ability to extend plays.
Best exchange: NBC's Todd Blackledge shares the key to beating Syracuse's D is to make them run side to side and tire them out. Noah Eagle responded, "That's been a hard task the first 2 games. They've only given up 7 points."
Top Analysis: NBC's Todd Blackledge shares that one of the things that makes Purdue WR Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen so dangerous is he takes time after every practice not to catch just a few, but to catch hundreds of extra passes to prepare him for every game possibility. That way he always knows how to get his feet down and maintain possession.
Top Analysis: NBC's Todd Blackledge shares that one of the reasons Purdue QB Hudson Card has been dangerous passing early is because teams have been granting him off-coverage, allowing his receivers to get short gains that add up and show great discipline.
Top Analysis: NBC's Todd Blackledge states "The Key to being a successful quarterback ISN'T to be a beautiful looking passer. Instead you want to be a productive passer at all costs."
Top Analysis: NBC's Todd Blackledge states, "TE is the most deceiving position on the charts. These players aren't just blockers. Most of them are converted receivers with great hands that will keep your teams movement alive."
Top Info: SEC Network's Jordan Rodgers sharing the last thing a QB wants to feel is that they're worthless because the team seeks a new QB, but Jaxson Dart didn't feel that way because Kiffin approached him first.
Top Reporting: SEC Network's Cole Cubelic reporting that Kiffin hasn't been worried about the run game yet because they're trying to develop multiple runners and are currently going with a run whatever plays are working approach.
Top Analysis: SEC Network's Jordan Rodgers sharing the key to stopping any quick tempo offense is to force them to run East and West rather than up and down the field.
Top Reporting: SEC Network's Cole Cubelic sharing Georgia Tech's Brent Key runs the stretch offense because, "It's never wrong. It allows you to see and attack every hole that forms."
Top Foresight: SEC Network's Tom Hart sharing that Georgia Tech was hesitant to kick this season because kicker Gavin Stewart was 0 for the season. Moments later the FG was tried and blocked.
Top Reporting: SEC Network's Tom Hart sharing that while Ole Miss was trying to develop multiple backs, they felt ok because in terms of YPC Quinshon Judkins was averaging as many yards per carry as Emmitt Smith and Herschel Walker.
Top stat: Fox Sports Curt Menefee telling viewers today will be the first NFL matchup between the first QB taken in the draft and one selected with the very last pick in the draft (Purdy/Stafford).
Optical illusion? CBS footage returning from commercial in Cincinnati showed a Ferris wheel on the riverfront. There hasn't been a Ferris wheel on the Cincinnati riverfront since 2020.
Best Timing Award: CBS Sports Charles Davis discussing how KC's offense was being highly scrutinized after Week 1 due to turnovers and penalties. On the next two plays KC suffered a false start costing a 1st Down, & on the next play Mahomes pass was picked by Jacksonville's Cisco.
Top Analysis: CBS Sports Charles Davis discussing coaching strategies, "The worst thing to feel as a coach is a missed opportunity. A missed opportunity can never be regained. You can look back in hind sight, but you never want to experience not taking a shot."
Top observation: Fox Sports Daryl Johnston noting on a personal foul call on Bears CB Greg Stroman Jr. on Bucs QB Baker Mayfield that Mayfield’s foot was still in the white when he was hit.
Top observation: CBS Sports Matt Ryan telling viewers that it didn’t look like Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s plant foot on a throw didn’t touch the ground.
Top analysis: CBS Sports James Lofton telling viewers there are runs and there are tough runs. Lofton notes that Titans RB Derrick Henry could have run outside a little but knew on the 2nd and 2 that it was intended for a tough run up the middle for a 1st Down.
Top Analysis: CBS Sports’ James Lofton shows that Tennessee's Bosa was able to get the sack on Tannehill because the Chargers had bunched their line and hadn't set up anyone to cover a backfield slant blitz.
Top Analysis: CBS Sports Jay Feely telling viewers that Herbert's patience is actually causing a lot of holding penalties because he keeps throwing deep passes rather than looking for quick slants, meaning the line has to give him more time despite being overpowered.
Top call: CBS Sports Andrew Catalon, on the Cincinnati TD, “Burrow to Higgins. That’s the Bengals we know!”
Top Stat: Fox Sports Chris Myers telling viewers that since 2019 the Colts have just as many wins in Houston as the Texans. During that stretch the Colts have gone 2-1 while the Texans are 2-17-1.
Top Analysis: Fox Sports' Robert Smith states, "The key for CJ Stroud to be successful here in Houston is to play patiently. I know he wants to try to get everything back quickly downfield, but doing so will result in reckless turnovers and ultimately come back to hurt you more."
Funniest exchange: CBS Sports Ian Eagle on promo for CBS games as Charles Davis starts discussing lac of offense for Alabama & Iowa & strong defensive of Penn State. Eagle quips, “Is there anything you aren’t aware? Davis chimes, “Chores at home.” Eagle. “Oh the honey do list!”
Funniest line: Fox Sports' Chris Myers, "As a young man Dell's mom gave him the nickname tank because he always ran into everything head first and hard, and it kind of just stuck. Now everyone calls him Tank Dell."
Top Stat: Fox Sports Joe Davis telling viewers that the Bears totaled 67 yards on their first series, but they've only totaled 72 yards since allowing Tampa to slowly gain control.
Funniest line: Fox Sports Joe Davis after a game break, "People kept saying you weren't supposed to worry about the Packers anymore with Rodgers gone. Now here comes Love with 4 TD's in not quite 2 games. It's a conundrum."
Top Analysis: Fox Sports' Jonathan Vilma, "The one player you don't want to face is Atlanta's AJ Terrell. He's a predator who is always sniffing out the ball. I'll tell you right now he'll be one of the hardest CB's you face this year in the NFL."
Say what?: Fox Sports Kenny Albert said Atlanta RB Tyler Allgeier is a weakness in receiving game bc he doesn't have great hands. However Allgeier has averaged 7 yards a reception in NFL w/1 dropped ball, and had 437 receiving yards at BYU on 46 catches for 9.5 yards per catch.
Class act: After a failed ATL challenge, Kenny Albert said, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the great Mike Pereira. He recently had surgery, and while Dean will do his best to fill-in we all wish Mike a speedy recovery."
Top Exchange: Fox's Kevin Burkhardt, "Seattle is in FG range, but their normally reliable kicker Jason Myers has missed 2 today. Do you send him with everything at stake." Olsen replied, "If it's me, you've got 2 plays here to convert. You don't try the FG." - Seattle walkoff TD
Worst Timing Award: Fox Sports Adam Amin telling viewers that Matt Prater should have an easy make to give the Cards a lead because he had made 72 consecutive FG's. Moments later Prater missed the FG wide right.
Worst Timing Award: Fox Sports Adam Amin, "Arizona was a horrendous on 3rd & 7 or longer last week, 1/11. Let's see if they can change things around here." Dobbs completed a pass to Mason for 21, and 3 plays later it was a TD.
Top interview: Fox Sports Kristina Pink shares that the key to establishing a relationship between Zac Ertz and Dobbs has been overcommunicating to make sure they completely understand each others routes and tendencies.
Best line: Fox Sports Kevin Kugler telling viewers, “It took a review to have Brock Purdy have his first incompletion of the day.”
Top Stat: Fox Sports Kevin Kugler shares SF's Christian McCaffrey has had 6 games above 100 yards rushing against NFC West teams, including 153 vs. Arizona on 9/22/19 and 128 vs. Rams on 9/8/19. Today he has 86 yards rushing against the Rams after 1 qtr.
Funniest retort: CBS Sports Bill Cowher, during a scoring update for Cardinals TD giving them a 14-0 over Giants, asks Adam Archuleta, “Where’s the defense, Adam?”Archuleta retorts, “Can we play defense?”
Top Foresight: CBS's Adam Archuleta pointing out that Washington was bringing the corner pressure, but that likely meant Denver would get aggressive and go deep." Moments later Spero, "Russell Wilson, he's hit Mims, that's a gem, 60 yards, and it's a Touchdown!"
Top Analysis: CBS Sports' Adam Archuleta points out that Washington is gaining big plays, but once it gets inside the 35 Denver's Josey Jewell has become a beast with his slant blitzes and prevented the Commanders from making it to the redzone.
Top info: CBS Sports Spero Dedes. during Commanders/Broncos, after production graphic showed a picture of Doug Williams celebrating after Super Bowl XXII victory, noting only 3 black Quarterbacks have won the big game. Doug Williams, Russell Wilson, and Patrick Mahomes.
Top info: CBS Sports Jim Nantz telling viewers Cowboys K Brandon Aubrey, former MLS player, only got into football because on one off day they decided to kick around an American football & he found the way it was bouncing to be interesting. It caused him to want to test things out.
Worst Timing Award: CBS Sports Jim Nantz pointed out Zach Wilson was only 1/4 passing with a grand total of 9 yards. Zach then connected with Garrett Wilson for a 68 yard TD.
Top exchange: CBS' Tony Romo. "Everyone knows about Deuce. He's like a Moose." Nantz replies, "Well Deuce is loose, and he's got some juice. That's another Cowboys 1st Down."
Top stat: CBS Sports Jim Nantz points out that last year Zach and Garrett never connected for a TD. This year they've already got 2 in 2 games.
Top reporting: CBS Sports Tracy Wolfson telling viewers that Cowboys DL Coach Sharrif Floyd fainted on the sideline and was able to get up on his own power and go back to the locker room.
Class act: CBS Sports Jim Nantz paying tribute to the late Cowboy Hall of Famer executive Gil Brandt.
Best move: CBS Sports reuniting Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta in the broadcast booth for 2023-2024 season. The two have chemistry and navigated the Commanders/Broncos game brilliantly. The duo had a tremendous game throughout a game of many twists and turns.
Grade: A+
Top call: Fox Sports Kevin Kugler announced, "History made tonight in LA. The Rams have found a star. Puka Nacua is the first receiver ever to catch 20 receptions and have 100+ yards in his first 2 games."
NBC’s Sunday Night Football remains the gold standard in production. Incredible angle snaps and great replays. Player introductions is simply the best in all of sports.
Top reporting: NBC Sports Melissa Stark telling viewers the #7 for JuJu Smith-Schuster fits him perfectly. It’s his 7th season in the NFL, he’s is one of seven children and he hoping it’s a lucky #7 as he looks to be part of a 7th Patriots Super Bowl title.
Worst moment: NBC Sports Mike Tirico, on a Dolphins 1st Goal with whistles clearing blowing and Tirico saying timeout, the snap occurred and a touchdown for Miami. No followup by Tirico as no explanation was given.
Funniest line: NBC Sports Cris Collinsworth, after Dolphins LB Andrew Van Ginkel made another sack, “I don’t know what to say. Somebody is going to be Wally Pipped tonight!”
