Fox Big Noon Coverage

[RochLion]

Cell service around the outside of the stadium last week for Illinois game was terrible, even worse in the stands. Luckily I transferred the Ticketmaster tickets to my Wallet or I would have been screwed at the gate.

Yes. On top of downloading to my wallet I carry a printed copy so in case there is any screw up with the ticket there are Tickmaster reps at the stadium that will get you equivalent or better seats. That's what I've heard at least. Don't believe StubHub does that.

 

[Calabrin]

I just don't understand why Gus Johnson can't use his normal voice when he calls a game. On top of that, I can't believe that his shtick has made him so much money in his career.

It is mind boggling. He’s so bad!

 

[Calabrin]

The Zamboni comment once to relate the story is one thing. However, when Penn State has a big offensive play, it’s asinine to yell “the big Zamboni dialed one up!”

This is one of Gus’s biggest problems: he has to beat everything to death. Great example, too.

 

[BeerLion]

The problem is that Gus is the play by play guy, not the color guy. Vitale, John Madden, etc. are the color guy, so they can be bombastic.

Fox is setting up Gus to become the “legendary” announcer who stays on well after he has lost his fastball, like happened with Keith Jackson, Pat Summerall, and Al Michaels. No one really minded those guys hanging on a bit too long. But I’m afraid Gus’s act will wear very thin before he calls it quits.

There is not an announcer today that even comes close to any of those three, especially Keith Jackson. All of the guys now talk way too much trying to impress everyone on their knowledge. Plus they are all lousy anyway. Gus is one of the worst. There are a few that are bearable but mostly I watch with the sound off. And if herbstreit and fowler are on the broadcast I can hardly bear watching with the sound off just knowing they are on there. I really hate them mostly because of fowler but yeah I will pass. Sound turned off is good.

 

[Bvillebaron]

The mute button is your friend

Precisely. I rarely turn the sound on these games because I wonder what game they are watching. My “favorite” was when we missed Penn State’s first 4th down stop because they were too busy showing a replay.

 

[1995PSUGrad]

I honestly can’t think of one time I’ve ever heard it. Possibly the most universally loved announcer.

Gus Johnson is a great example of someone who was clearly influenced by Keith Jackson. Their styles are very similar. I find it interesting that so many people love Keith Jackson but don't like Gus Johnson.

 

[NewEra 2014]

Gus Johnson is a great example of someone who was clearly influenced by Keith Jackson. Their styles are very similar. I find it interesting that so many people love Keith Jackson but don't like Gus Johnson.

I enjoyed Gus Johnson back when he was doing NCAA basketball games, but as he nears the age of 60, he really has lost a step. Most prominently, he goes over the top at awkward times and forces the bombast. Back in the day, his enthusiasm would match the moment much better than it does now.

Gus may have been influenced by Keith Jackson, but I never found Keith Jackson to be one to force enthusiasm like Gus has been doing in recent years.

 

[Erial_Lion]

I enjoyed Gus Johnson back when he was doing NCAA basketball games, but as he nears the age of 60, he really has lost a step. Most prominently, he goes over the top at awkward times and forces the bombast. Back in the day, his enthusiasm would match the moment much better than it does now.

Gus may have been influenced by Keith Jackson, but I never found Keith Jackson to be one to force enthusiasm like Gus has been doing in recent years.

I've been saying for 15 years now that Gus is a good guy to have on a huge game...those big NCAA Tournament games, big time college football games, big NFL games back when he was doing it, etc. No one was complaining about him in the Big Ten Title game in 2016 when he was making up nicknames and overly dramatic with every big play. But it just doesn't resonate for a noon game with little juice, or going back to the well again and again with his nicknames.

I really like him as a person from the stuff I've heard from him and it seems like it's all coming from a genuine place (much like with Vitale, who was the exact same when the "cameras were off"). But it would be more enjoyable if he toned it down a notch, or ten.