July 8, 2011

The Mount Rushmore of College Broadcasters

The ability to intelligently and coherently describe the game of college football is an artform. How many times on a fall Saturday have you yelled at the television screen as a result of poor commentary? Heaven knows I have. On the other hand, a gifter orator can bring a magnificent turn of events on the gridiron to an even higher plane of remembrance by describing the play in a way not soon forgotten. It isn't the quantity of words, but the quality of their delivery. So, who fits that description in today's game? Who are the best lead announcers in America?

Brent Musburger - The "Voice of College Football." Musburger is assigned the best games and delivers the goods. "You're looking live" has become the mantra for the sport in general. Not only does he have the best job in the world, he truly enjoys every minute of it.



Brad Nessler - No one works harder than Brad Nessler. The talented play-by-play guy has a recognizable voice and relates excitement in a way that doesn't dilute from the power of the moment. Some of my greatest sports memories are to Brad Nessler calls.



Sean McDonough - There is not a more educated and professional announcer in the business. McDonough truly understand the game, whether it's football or basketball, and is a joy to listen to whenever he is called into action.



Ron Franklin - The cool Southern drawl of Mr. Franklin has been a staple for over nearly two decades. While he is no longer in the business, no one can argue that his voice hasn't been one of the great soundtracks of the game.



Others who made the short list:
  • Joel Meyers
  • Barry Tompkins
  • Verne Lundquist
  • Bob Wischusen 
  • Carter Blackwell 
  • Steve Physioc 
Who is your favorite? 

6 comments:

Brett Hein said...

Once upon a time, I hated Musberger. But, I figured out that it was because I watched him call a lot of Ohio State games and I hated Ohio State, not Musberger. Long live Brent, the gambling bandit.

Drofdarb said...

Pretty good list.

I can't stand Musburger though when he tilts his call toward whoever he has money on in that game. Other than that he's pretty good.

Unfortunately none of the current announcers are even close to as good as Mr. Keith Jackson. "Whoa, Nellie!"

Brett Hein said...

I think that's what makes Musberger fun, trying to figure out who he has money on. LOL.

David Kreutz said...

See you picked the wrong analogy, Rushmore is for the best in history, for the best current you want the All-Star team.

Those make a good group for an All-Star team, but a Mt. Rushmore would have to include Keith Jackson

Jon said...

I think McDonough is my favorite right now... not only is he educated and professional, but he is pretty funny too... he makes the color guys working with him a lot better, because he knows how to play to their strengths.

Zach Bloxham said...

@David - You make a good point. Coincidentally, I had a Keith Jackson clip ready to go, but decided against it. Maybe an edit is in the works.

@Jon - I couldn't agree more. The list isn't in numerical order of significance. I LOVE McDonough for all the reasons you mentioned. There is no one better.