Gus Johnson appreciation thread
Watching some of the highlights today I was reminded once again how much I love the way Gus Johnson calls a ballgame. I think he really captures the excitement of CFB.
Listening to Keith Jackson for so many years, I was certain no one could ever match him. He called so many iconic moments for us - the Desmond and Woodson punt returns, the ‘98 Rose Bowl, and so many more.
I am starting to think Gus Johnson might be just as much fun to listen to. Starting with “Peoples Jones, down the sideline! Peoples Jones! Touchdown, Wolverines!!” all the way through “Corum! Watch out! Blake Corum! Blazing speed!” he has, like the legendary KJ, become a part of some of our iconic moments. Here’s to him becoming part of many more going forward.
November 28th, 2021 at 7:57 PM ^
I think there was a Gus Johnson hate thread earlier this year. :) Like all announcers he loves a winner and Michigan is a winner.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:05 PM ^
It's because most people don't understand the job of the announcers. There's two teams playing, big plays need to sound exciting regardless of side.
It's hilarious to me when someone complains about announcers being "homers" the first positive thing out of their mouth about the other team.
November 28th, 2021 at 9:02 PM ^
It is not about gushing over opponents. It is about not focusing on the play and calling out when something goes wrong. Even if the refs don't review, you can talk about it after the fact. He consistently did not do that. I particularly remember plays where he just skipped over just like the broadcast. May be it is his producer. Who knows? But, I care for an impartial analysis after key plays more than having catch phrases and rousing voice.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:22 PM ^
No he actually roots for Michigan and is a fan being from Detroit. Idk how people keep thinking he’s an OSU homer. Especially after this video from a few years ago.
https://youtu.be/ORdCrxArhmM
November 28th, 2021 at 8:35 PM ^
Thanks for sharing video, it made me a Gus Johnson fan.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:41 PM ^
Same here, had never seen that.
November 28th, 2021 at 7:59 PM ^
I'm sorry, but I hate the Fox broadcasts. The picture is terrific, but they have horrible replay and horrible angles and play so many damn commercials. I didn't find either announcer yesterday to be particularly good, either. Balancing it all out, it's not worth the HD image.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:11 PM ^
Sorry you feel that way although I agree about the commercials...that's a B1G complaint as they are the ones who threw an extra hour of commercials on us in exchange for bigger broadcast fees.
FOX is okay but their HD broadcast is absolutely spectacular and a huge step up from ESPN...will take that every day of the week. The Michigan uniforms are downright jaw dropping in their broadcasts.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:20 PM ^
Well on Saturday you're going to get more commercials AND a longer halftime.
And the time we'll make up on all the running the ball will be lost by all of the punt/commercial/first down breaks.
Speaking of which, this feels like a game where Ferentz is going to try to play keep away.
Which, good luck going slow...that plays right into our hands. We get to sub and our pass rushers stay fresh.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:38 PM ^
I agree the picture is jaw dropping. But they sacrifice too much else IMO.
November 28th, 2021 at 9:00 PM ^
I don't have specific information but it would seem likely that all the networks have about the same amount of commercial time. And I'd be surprised if networks have their own individual halftime lengths.
November 28th, 2021 at 9:58 PM ^
So. Many. Commercials.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:00 PM ^
Barf no. I don't mind Klatt, but Johnson's constant histrionics are just exhausting.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:20 PM ^
Agree. Klatt is excellent but I am not a fan of Gus Johnson. And then comparing him to Keith Jackson? Not even close. Jackson had his catch phrases but he also knew when to let the play run and call it in an understated way. Cannot accuse Gus Johnson of that.
Oh, and I can't stand the "world famous Buckeyes" thing. Maybe I am wrong but if I am listed universities that are world famous, OSU would be far down the list. I never understood that one.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:30 PM ^
I forgot he said that! Everyone in my house was like “world famous Buckeyes? Wtf…” that was so dumb and not even true. They have never been called world famous…ever
November 28th, 2021 at 8:50 PM ^
There was that girl who stripped while wearing a Buckeye jersey a while back, she was pretty famous for a moment...
November 28th, 2021 at 9:32 PM ^
Yes. I may be wrong but I’m pretty sure what’s his nuts from Sparty has never been known as “the booggeyy mannnnn”
November 28th, 2021 at 9:08 PM ^
I agree on Klatt and on Keith Jackson (Nobody has equaled him. He obviously liked Michigan but the detectable signs were subtle.) Johnson has flaws but he's better than most and I do like that he is a big Michigan fan.
November 28th, 2021 at 9:27 PM ^
Clearly a different style than Keith Jackson, but IMO just as much fun. I love the enthusiasm, I think it captures the emotions of CFP. I don’t think that style would work as well for the NFL but for our game I think it works really well.
In comparing him to KJ, what I was trying to emphasize is how much the play-by-play guy becomes a part of how we remember iconic plays. Can you think of Desmond’s punt return without hearing KJ’s voice? I can’t. His call is part of our collective memory of that moment. And from yesterday I for one will remember GJ saying, six times, “touchdown Wolverines!”
November 29th, 2021 at 3:30 AM ^
Yeah he's a basically a professional wrestling announcer, trying far too hard to be the centerpiece. What happened to letting the play unfold and the moment live on its own?
But I guess most people love him, it seems, so he is encouraged to keep it up. He has nothing in common with Keith Jackson, so I don't get the comparison at all.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:01 PM ^
Keith Jackson doesn't still call games? No way! Anyone know why?
(Serious note, good post, OP. Gus does a great job.)
November 28th, 2021 at 8:03 PM ^
Gus sucks. Makes it about him. Just call the game. I like Klatt though. And all American girl Jenny Taft? Swoon.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:06 PM ^
Augustus Cornelius Johnson, just realized this is his full name
November 28th, 2021 at 8:06 PM ^
Gus is amazing when your team is winning and making big plays.
Gus sucks when your team is losing.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:18 PM ^
I suppose that could be said of anyone
November 28th, 2021 at 8:09 PM ^
Does anyone else cringe when he refers to Jenny Taft as the "All American Girl"?
November 28th, 2021 at 8:15 PM ^
I did. But then I thought that I read somewhere that she okayed it.
I'm probably being naive, but in 2021, I have to believe someone would've said something if it wasn't approved.
But that's what gets us guys in trouble. I mean, it's FOX, they have Clay Travis in their pregame show...not sure why I'm assuming some DEI staff member is going to lecture Gus Johnson on microaggressions and unintentional insensitive or demeaning language.
But like I said, I swear I saw something where she spoke on it.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:18 PM ^
He has been calling her that for years now. It has to have been discussed.
November 29th, 2021 at 4:30 AM ^
She talked about it on Mandel & Feldman's podcast a few weeks ago, saying she does approve. (I'm not sure she really has an option, of course, but she gave a credible assertion that he consulted her and she is OK with it.)
But it is just a strange thing to say.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:09 PM ^
Double post.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:10 PM ^
Gus is awesome. I'm surprised at how many people don't like him
November 28th, 2021 at 8:10 PM ^
Gus is that loudmouth guy in the bar who persistently repeats the same mundane observations despite the obvious disinterest of those around him. An example: when you re-watch the game, listen for the phrase "buckets of points".
November 28th, 2021 at 8:11 PM ^
You'll get to hear him again on Saturday. He's going to be on another level...he's always extra EXTRA Gus during the B1G championship game.
I can't wait to hear..."McNamara. Hands it to Corum, OH WHAT A BURST!!!! BLAKE CORUM TRIPPED UP AFTER A GAIN OF FOUR YARDS ON THE PLAY!!"
November 28th, 2021 at 8:12 PM ^
Used to like Gus more than I do now. He kinda jumped the shark for me. And actually think he’s better calling basketball than football. But to each his own.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:18 PM ^
I tend to agree. He's OK at soccer too.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:12 PM ^
Klatt carries that broadcast team.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:13 PM ^
I like Gus and Klatt and Jenny Taft. They are my favorite announcer team.
Gus and Klatt also are Michigan fans, too.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:19 PM ^
Is Gus a confirmed Michigan fan? He's from Detroit and was a pretty good basketball and football player of U of D - Jesuit High School, so it would make sense.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:25 PM ^
Yes, he did a special on it couple years ago.
https://youtu.be/ORdCrxArhmM
November 28th, 2021 at 8:13 PM ^
Gus & Klatt are top notch
November 28th, 2021 at 8:18 PM ^
what? i can't hear you. i'm deaf after listening to gus johnson screaming in my ears for 3 1/2 hours yesterday.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:19 PM ^
I have found that my enjoyment of his style greatly depends on whether Michigan is winning or not.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:19 PM ^
UofD High ‘85
Doesn’t get any better than that.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:21 PM ^
Gus Johnson is awful, it’s like he hasnt ever watched football sometimes
he was shrieking celebrating an osu touchdown yesterday when it was plainly obvious to everyone that there was a holding call and it would be coming back
November 28th, 2021 at 8:22 PM ^
I think he’s really over the top, but I can appreciate that he really likes to get into the emotion of the game.
Lets put it this way. I’d rather have someone like him instead of someone like the “Boom goes the dynamite” guy from a few years back.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:25 PM ^
GoCubs!
November 28th, 2021 at 8:26 PM ^
When your team is winning, Gus is the best. When your team is losing and he’s announcing the way he does, he is the WORST. I hated him in the MSU game once they started to come back. He must have said that quote about Tucker saying “at the end of the day, my guys are TOUGHER” at least 5 times in the 2nd half
November 28th, 2021 at 8:30 PM ^
Touchdown Wolverines
love it, he is good
November 28th, 2021 at 8:31 PM ^
Joel Klatt is great, but I'll take a hard pass on Gus. He lost me with his blatantly obvious MSU homerism.
November 29th, 2021 at 6:49 AM ^
He’s a lifelong wolverine fan…Spartans hate him for it especially after he called them “little brother” during a broadcast a few years back.