Who Will Be the Next Michigan Football Play-by-Play Announcer

Submitted by meddler on

Longtime play-by-play broadcaster for Michigan Football, Frank Beckmann, announced his retirement last August. To date, no replacement has been named and I have heard virtually no speculation.

Any rumors or speculation out there as to who will be the new voice of Michigan Football?

Is there anyone who you would or would not like to hear in the booth?

ijohnb

April 3rd, 2014 at 11:45 AM ^

do not like Shep's call of a game.  His radio show is OK but he gets into really pointless rants where he loses control of the narrative.  Also, his play by play voice is really contrived, like he is actively trying to alter his voice to conform to a certain talking style, Tom Brokaw-ish. He also gets too amped during his calls so when something good happens you have to wait like 3 minutes before he is done yelling to figure out what actually happenned on the play.  I am not a Matt Shephard hater and I know he supports the school but I think we could do better.  He seems to be like the "default" choice and I don't think they should settle for that.

LSAClassOf2000

April 3rd, 2014 at 11:46 AM ^

You are indeed correct. From the release:

Big Ten Network Broadcast: Matt Shepard (play-by-play), former Wolverine defensive back Marcus Ray (analyst) and Lisa Byington (field reporter) will broadcast Michigan's spring scrimmage, which will air live at 2 p.m. on Big Ten Network. The network will feature in-game and post-scrimmage interviews with head coach Brady Hoke, assistant coaches and players.

Radio Broadcasts: The Michigan Radio Network will broadcast for two hours during the spring football scrimmage. Jim Brandstatter and Doug Karsch will call the action from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The broadcast can be heard on WWJ-AM 950. For a full list of affiliates carrying the spring game, please visit MGoBlue.com.

leftrare

April 3rd, 2014 at 2:57 PM ^

Full disclosure, DD and I went to HS and a bit of college together.  That said, I love listening to him and Price cover the Tigers.  The difference, IMO, is there's nothing wrong with a homer covering a college football team, and DD could go a long way across the spectrum from Harwell impartiality to Ufer mania.  DD did sideline work in The Stadium 15-20 years ago for radio. He's a Michigan fan.  I think he would be really entertaining with Brandy.

MichiganStephen

April 3rd, 2014 at 11:23 AM ^

Not really any rumor that I've heard to substantiate this, but my preference is Champion.  Had a working relationship with Brandy when they did Lions games and has the ability to tell it how it is.

Wolverine Devotee

April 3rd, 2014 at 11:29 AM ^

By that logic, I guess you were against Gary Moeller as a HC since he played for the buckeyes?

Or, you want Carol Hutchins gone because she went to state?

Doesn't matter where you come from or how you get here. It's about Michigan.

Wolverine Devotee

April 3rd, 2014 at 11:27 AM ^

I just can't picture (or imagine) Karsch doing PBP.

I can't hear him yelling TOUCHDOWN MICHIGAN!!!

creelymonk10

April 3rd, 2014 at 11:31 AM ^

Yea, he has an odd voice. It's definitely unique to where it stands out, but I don't know if it stands out in the "great play-by-play" type of way. His voice seems like it'd get high pitched and would break when getting excited about a touchdown or big play.

I like Karsch, but Dan Miller would be the best possible option.