Hugh Jass

December 5th, 2012 at 2:47 PM ^

everybody and everything - there won't be any hating vibe that's for sure.  Plus every Michigan player will be described in a "Fred Jackson" style........love it - plus I will be hungover so sound will probably be turned down a touch.

MGoSteelers

December 5th, 2012 at 9:32 PM ^

"See [veteran NFL player] here?  I like this guy.  I call him the workhorse.  You know why I call him that [rookie NFL player's nickname]?  'Cause he's a workhorse."

 

Love listening to Gruden.  He's this generation's John Madden and I have no problem with that!

ChiCityWolverine

December 5th, 2012 at 2:49 PM ^

I couldn't diagree more. I love Gruden. The guy knows football, particularly offense, and is as enthusiastic as they come. The only downside to this may be that he probably isn't able to watch as much college football as other announcers, but to be honest that probably means he'll have a fresher perspective and rely more on the film he'll watch on both teams.

sundaybluedysunday

December 5th, 2012 at 3:07 PM ^

But enthusiasm doesn't necessarily lead to good things. McGary is enthusiastic about playing basketball, but that high energy can lead to good things (like 5-5 FG's) and also mistakes (like 4 turnovers). I think he sometimes doesn't know how to stop talking and just let the game stand for itself, a lot of what he says doesn't add a ton of value for me.



Also, I just don't like the sound of his voice. Just a preference thing.

andrewG

December 5th, 2012 at 4:43 PM ^

Gruden's gushing can be a bit much, but he really is a quality announcer, especially given the other options. I don't know how many times I've heard him say something like "I wouldn't be surprised to see X happen right now" and it inevitably does. And his X is usually pretty specific.

turtleboy

December 5th, 2012 at 2:53 PM ^

I don't love Gruden, but that's a lot better than the vast majority of shitty announcers that I hate, so I'll take it. I'm pretty relieved, actually. He'll say lots of nice things about our players, and as an actual coach I respect his opinion. He does lay it on a little thick, but he doesn't just talk out of his ass to fill the entire broadcast like some announcers do.

leftrare

December 5th, 2012 at 2:55 PM ^

I would pick them over any team other than Buck/Aikman.  Sure, I like Herbstreit's commentary, but he's so often paired with Musburger who makes me nauseous.

 

Tirico is pleasant and critical enough; Gruden is very good at picking apart a play and explaining the keys to it.

PitchAndCatch

December 5th, 2012 at 2:57 PM ^

Turico is a Michigan guy, and Gruden is the man.  I guarantee you Gruden will watch 20+ hours of film on both South Carolina and Michigan and be fully prepared to break down the game as he sees it.  He's a coach at heart and it will be great to hear his insight on our team.

Hannibal.

December 5th, 2012 at 3:03 PM ^

I don't have much of an opinion on Gruden, but Tirico sucks as a play-by-play guy.  He doesn't have the voice for it.  He is a studio host who ended up with a play-by-play job merely by default because he worked for ESPN.  Much like Steve Levy.  Disney no longer tries to get great play-by-play guys like they used to.  If they have an opening, they just pluck somebody from the sidelines or the studio, regardless of whether they have the voice or the elocution for it.  That's how Pam Ward, Dave Ryan, and Mark Jones got their jobs.  Just about every play-by-play guy on ESPN who is really good has been doing the job for over 20 years.

Hannibal.

December 5th, 2012 at 3:06 PM ^

I don't remember John Saunders calling any games. 

Chris Fowler is another guy who is fantastic as a booth host but really bad as a play-by-play guy, and who only does play-by-play because he was a pre-established ESPN personality.

Tirico's excited calls are particularly high pitched and annoying. 

Michael Scarn

December 5th, 2012 at 3:00 PM ^

Gruden is one of the few announcers who doesn't completely dumb down his commentary. Probably the only one who ever provides anything new for an educated football fan.

Blueroller

December 5th, 2012 at 7:12 PM ^

Right. Gruden is one of the very few who really gets into the X's and O's. Chris Collinsworth does too, but it seems to me not as much as he used to. The best at this is Mike Mayock of the NFL Network Thursday night games. He also does Notre Dame for NBC. Brian mentioned in the UFR on how excellent he was during this year's Michigan-Notre Dame game.

Maizenblueball

December 5th, 2012 at 3:06 PM ^

I'm happy with this selection.  Gruden at least provides actual X's and O's insight.  Tirico's great.  Of course, if Michigan is losing I find EVERY announcer to be annoying, no matter who they are.  Lol