Sports Illustrated lists its Top 20 all-time sportscasters
Posted by Mike Farley (05/15/2010 @ 8:00 am)

Sports Illustrated put out this list of what it believes to be the Top 20 all-time sportscasters. Some of these guys are before my time, but unfortunately, most of them are not. Anyway, here is the list and a snappy comment or two, as well as who they missed and who I’m glad is not on here:
1. Jim McKay—The Bob Costas of his time. McKay hosted ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” as well as The Olympics. It’s hard to argue with putting him on top here, but it’s also easy to argue for a few of these others to be #1.
2. Vin Scully—If I hear ol’ Vin doing a game on TV, and with the MLB package it’s nice to still hear him doing Dodgers’ games, I don’t care who is playing….I stop and watch, and listen. It’s just comforting to hear the guy’s voice, which was made for broadcasting baseball.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in: Barstool Debates, Television
Tags: Al Michaels, baseball, Basketball, Bob Costas, Bob Murphy, Bob Papa, Boxing, CBS, Chicago Cubs, Chick Hearn, Chris Schenkel, College Football, Curt Gowdy, Dennis Eckersley, Detroit Tigers, Dick Enberg, Don Dunphy, Don Meredith, Ernie Harwell, football, Frank Gifford, Gary Cohen, Gary Thorn, Gus Johnson, Harry Caray, Hockey, Howard Cosell, Jack Brickhouse, Jack Buck, Jack Whitaker, Jim McKay, Jim Nantz, Joe Buck, Joe Garagiola, John Madden, Keith Jackson, Kirk Gibson, Lindsey Nelson, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, Marv Albert, Mel Allen, Mike Emrick, Miracle on Ice, Monday Night Football, New York Giants, New York Yankees, NFL Network, Olympics, PBA bowling, Phil Rizzuto, Ralph Kiner, Red Barber, SNY, Sports Illustrated, This Week in Baseball, Tony Kubek, top sportscasters, top sportscasters of all-time, Vin Scully, WGN, Wide World of Sports
Q&A with ESPN’s Mike Golic
Posted by Mike Farley (02/04/2010 @ 6:45 pm)

If you listen to ESPN Radio’s “Mike & Mike In the Morning,” you know that former NFL defensive lineman Mike Golic is one half of the equation and the counterpoint to long-time “Sportscenter” anchor Mike Greenberg. While both share a passion for sports, Golic takes the role of the “man’s man” and frequently discusses his passion for food and in particular, his love for grilling out. Well, lucky for us, Golic recently teamed up with Kingsford Charcoal to promote their new and improved briquets (and their new flavors of KC Masterpiece sauce and marinade), as well as with chef Chris Lilly, who owns Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q and is an award winning barbecue chef. So we’ve got some of their special recipes on our Grub For Guys page on Bullz-Eye.com, but we also had the opportunity to interview Golic about ESPN, grilling out, and of course, football:
The Scores Report: Hey Mike, we know you love to eat and love to grill. What is your favorite KC Masterpiece new flavor and why?
Mike Golic: I’m an original flavor kind of guy – no bells or whistles needed for me. But, I’ve tried the new KC Masterpiece Smoky Bourbon Barbecue Sauce and the smoky, sweet taste gives the original flavor some good competition for best sauce.
TSR: What are your thoughts on the new briquets, and do you use your grill year round?
MG: I have a fairly busy schedule with “Mike & Mike in the Morning,” ESPN analysis, and my family, but I definitely try to keep my grill fired up year-round whenever I have down-time. There is no better way to bring family and friends together than over the smokey flavors of a charcoal grill. In fact, when my boys where in high school, I used to travel to their football camps in early-August and grill for their entire teams during two-a-day workouts.
Kingsford MatchLight is my go-to charcoal – it has lighter fluid built into the briquet formula so it lights quickly and easily – which is especially convenient when I’m tailgating. I’ve heard that Kingsford briquets now light easier and faster, which I can also appreciate since I’m always crunched for time with my busy schedule.
TSR: Do you have any go-to items you like to grill for Super Bowl Sunday, or are you usually too busy working to cook that day?
MG: I will be working the whole week leading up to Super Bowl in Miami, but I’m excited to be able to go home and watch the actual game with my friends and family. But, while I’m in Miami, I will be firing up the grill with my buddy, world champion pitmaster, Chris Lilly earlier in the week. Chris has taught me quite a bit about grilling over the years and has inspired me to create a few tailgate recipes of my own. I will be demonstrating my BBQ Blitz Chicken Wraps for a few TV interviews with Chris before sharing a little tailgate with the lucky winner of the “On the Grill with Golic” sweepstakes that took place earlier this year. The recipe is attached in case your readers want to try it at home. For more great grilling recipes become a fan of Kingsford on Facebook at Facebook.com/KingsfordCharcoal.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in: Interviews, NFL
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q, Brian Kelly, Cedric Benson, Chad Ochocinco, Charlie Weis, Chicago Bears, Chris Henry, Chris Lilly, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland, College Football, Connecticut, Dallas Cowboys, ESPN, ESPN Radio, football, Grand Valley State, Grub For Guys, Indianapolis Colts, Jay Cutler, KC Masterpiece, Kingsford Charcoal, Kingsford MatchLight, MAC, Matt Forte, Miami, Michigan, Mike and Mike in the Morning, Mike Golic, Mike Greenberg, Mike Zimmer, Notre Dame, South Bend, South Euclid, SportsCenter, Super Bowl
Stanford loses to Cal, Oregon squeezes by Arizona in double overtime
Posted by Christopher Glotfelty (11/22/2009 @ 12:30 pm)

After Stanford failed to top Cal earlier in the evening, Jermiah Masoli provided some late-game heroics for his Oregon Ducks. In double overtime, Masoli took the snap at the Arizona Wildcats’ 1-yard line and ran the ball in for a touchdown. The Ducks will now face Oregon St. next week to see which team advances to the Rose Bowl.
The Rose Bowl race is no longer complicated: The winner of Oregon (7-1) versus Oregon State (6-2) on Dec. 3 (a Thursday) in the most important Civil War ever played will earn the Pac-10′s automatic bid to Pasadena.
Arizona, the only Pac-10 or Big Ten Conference team never to play in the Rose Bowl, is still that team after a wrenching defeat pinned a third league loss on the Wildcats. Arizona had already succumbed this season, to Washington, on a game-winning touchdown that deflected off a receiver’s foot.
What else could bounce off something to torture Arizona?
How about Oregon’s kicker, Morgan Flint, tying the score, 24-24, in the fourth quarter with a 43-yard field goal that deflected in off the crossbar?
Assuming the Ducks win their all-state showdown, they’ll finish the season with a record of 10-2. They would then meet the Ohio State Buckeyes, another 10-2 team ranked in the top 10, in the Rose Bowl. We’ll see how the other Bowl games take shape, but this one at least sounds appealing.
Posted in: College Football
Tags: 2009 Cal vs. Stanford recap, 2009 Cal vs. Stanford score, 2009 College Football, 2009 College Football Week 12, 2009 College Football Week 12 recaps, 2009 College Football Week 12 scoreboard, 2009 College Football Week 12 scores, 2009 Oregon vs. Arizona recap, 2009 Oregon vs. Arizona score, Cal vs. Stanford, Cal vs. Stanford recap, Cal vs. Stanford score, College Football, College Football Week 12, College Football Week 12 recaps, College Football Week 12 scoreboard, College Football Week 12 scores, Headlines, Oregon vs. Arizona, Oregon vs. Arizona football, Oregon vs. Arizona recap, Oregon vs. Arizona score
Tebow answers call, leads Florida over LSU
Posted by Christopher Glotfelty (10/10/2009 @ 11:33 pm)

Even though this game wasn’t as dramatic as we hoped, at least it was close. Despite suffering a brutal concussion two weeks ago against Kentucky, Tim Tebow decided to play for his Florida Gators in college football’s Game of the Week. Many assumed No. 1 Florida would need Tebow in top form to beat No. 4 LSU, but that wasn’t the case. While Tebow was far from horrible, Florida’s spectacular defense was the deciding factor, as the Gators snatched the win over the Tigers 13-3.
Tonight’s matchup was the first time two top-five teams faced one another this year. If anything, the outcome is further proof that Florida has what it takes to win another national championship. Early on, it was clear that Florida coach Urban Meyer was watching out for Tebow’s safety, deciding to keeping the ball on the ground. In the end, Florida combined for a total of 193 yards on 43 carries. Tebow never hung onto the ball too long, sticking to his trusted running game. Nevertheless, he didn’t shy away from contact, often bulldozing his way through LSU’s defensive line, notably taking two heavy hits in the first quarter. Of his 16 passes, 11 were caught for 134 yards, including his 24-yard touchdown pass to Riley Cooper at the end of the second quarter. It was the final time either team scored, leading to a second half dominated by defense.
In front of the largest crowd in the history of Tiger Stadium, sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson couldn’t generate any significant offense for LSU. The Gators defense held Jefferson to 96 yards and picked him once. In total, LSU finished with a measly 162 yards. The Florida defense also controlled LSU’s senior tailback Charles Scott, who once again failed to notch 100 yards in a game. After a breakthrough performance last week against Georgia, Scott was a non-factor tonight, rushing for 53 yards and no touchdowns.
Nobody expected Tebow to run for a touchdown and throw for 210 yards and two scores like he did last year against the Tigers. He didn’t have to. Florida’s defense is that good, and they have the ability to immobilize a top-ranked team like LSU, even on the road.
Posted in: College Football
Tags: 2009 College Football, 2009 College Football Week 6, College Football, College Football Week 6, College Football Week 6 scoreboard, College Football Week 6 Scores, Florida Gators football, Florida Gators Week 6, Florida LSU, Florida vs LSU, Florida vs. LSU recap, Florida vs. LSU score, Florida vs. LSU scoreboard, Florida vs. LSU Tim Tebow, Gators vs. Tigers, Headlines, LSU Tigers football, LSU Tigers Week 6, LSU-Florida rivarly, Tebow cleared to play, Tim Tebow injured, Tim Tebow injury
No. 9 Ohio State solid again, beats Wisconsin
Posted by Christopher Glotfelty (10/10/2009 @ 8:58 pm)

Terrelle Pryor and the rest of the Ohio State offense were bound to have a quiet game. Despite their relatively subtle performance, Ohio State’s defense and special teams managed to keep the Buckeyes on the board as they held off the Badgers 31-13.
After losing to USC in the second game of the season, Ohio State is evolving into a remarkably complete team under coach Jim Tressel. Remember, this is the same program that lost star running back Beanie Wells and their top receivers in the last NFL Draft.
The Buckeyes held their composure against an undefeated Wisconsin squad, quickly overcoming a 10-7 deficit in the second quarter. Both teams were 2-0 entering today’s overlooked matchup at the Horseshoe. With this win, Ohio now has a great shot at winning the Big Ten.
Although Badgers quarterback Scott Tolzien passed for 250 yards, he couldn’t find anyone in the end zone and was picked twice. Even worse, those two interceptions were returned by the Buckeyes defense for touchdowns. Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor did connect with DeVier Posey for a 32-yard touchdown, but he only threw for 87 yards total.
Interestingly enough, Wisconsin put up much better numbers offensively. With 250 yards passing and 118 yards rushing, they should have outlasted Ohio State. In the end, Tolzien’s interceptions cost his team an important victory.
Posted in: College Football
Tags: 2009 College Football, 2009 College Football Week 6, Badgers Buckeyes score, Badgers vs. Buckeyes, Buckeyes football, College Football, College Football Week 6 scoreboard, College Football Week 6 Scores, Ohio State Buckeyes, Ohio State football, Ohio State Week 6, Wisconsin Badgers, Wisconsin vs. Ohio State, Wisconsin vs. Ohio State recap, Wisconsin vs. Ohio State score
Alabama slowly dismantles Ole Miss, wins 22-3
Posted by Christopher Glotfelty (10/10/2009 @ 6:55 pm)

Did anybody else feel the energy completely evaporate at the beginning of the third quarter? This game took place in Oxford, Mississippi and the fans consistently did their best to keep the Rebels inspired. Nevertheless, Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead was never able to make the big play that would turn this game around. By the third quarter, the noise in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium was the equivalent of a gigantic yawn.
Alabama entered this competition 5-0, favored to beat Ole Miss who held a record of 3-1. Over the last four seasons, Albama had won this competition each time, though the game always came down to the final possession. However, today’s meeting was never really close, despite the score at the half.
Throughout the game, Jevan Snead failed to complete crucial first downs. Alabama’s defense terrorized his offense, picking off Snead four times. (Snead had previously only thrown five interceptions on the year.) They also limited Ole Miss’ rushing to a pathetic 57 yards.
On the other hand, Alabama QB Greg McElroy was able to come through on big downs. Though he still passed for the same amount of yards as Snead, he didn’t throw any interceptions. In the end, neither quarterback was stellar. McElroy didn’t complete a touchdown pass as well. Alabama kicked their way onto the scoreboard, as
Leigh Tiffin made each of his five field goal attempts. Running back Mark Ingram scored the game’s only touchdown, weaving through the Ole Miss defense on a 36-yard run.
College football fans might look at this game and think Alabama did everything right. While they beat a talented team in Ole Miss, they were still limited to 152 yards passing and 202 yards rushing. Alabama’s defense ensured this win. If Nick Saban can turn his offense into a force half as dominant as his defense, Alabama will be unstoppable.
Posted in: College Football
Tags: 2009 College Football, 2009 College Football Week 6, Alabama football, Alabama Tide football, Alabama vs. Ole Miss, Alabama vs. Ole Miss recap, Alabama vs. Ole Miss score, Alabma Ole Miss score, College Football, College Football Week 6, College Football Week 6 scoreboard, College Football Week 6 Scores, Crimson Tide Rebels score, Crimson Tide vs. Rebels, Ole Miss football, Ole Miss Rebels, University of Mississippi football
Arkansas upsets No. 17 Auburn 44-23
Posted by Christopher Glotfelty (10/10/2009 @ 4:08 pm)

When your team can’t run, pass, or defend during the first half, how do you expect to win a college football game? Auburn was 5-0 on the season before this game, coming off a big win over Tennessee in Week 5. Despite the early game time in Fayetteville, the stadium quickly came alive as the Razorbacks came out in full force, scoring 20 unanswered points. At the half, the Razorbacks were in complete control with a 27-3 lead over Auburn.
Today’s win was obviously led by Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, who threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns on 24 of 37 attempts. He even ran one into the end zone early in the third quarter, exposing Auburn’s confusion on the defensive end. Although he was picked off once, he constantly found receivers Greg Childs, D.J. Williams, and Cobi Hamilton. Childs especially did an excellent job finding his way into the open field, catching fives passes for 85 yards.
However, one shouldn’t overlook Arkansas’ defense, which forced three turnovers and shut down Auburn’s passing game. Auburn quarterback Chris Todd completed 15 of 28 passes for 133 yards, but none were for touchdowns. Auburn was forced to rely on their running game, consistently feeding the ball to Ben Tate.
In the end, Auburn’s rushing couldn’t catch Arkansas, who kept the pressure on from beginning to end. Congratulations to Hogs coach Bobby Petrino for earning his first SEC win. While the announcers practically discussed Florida’s Tim Tebow the entire game, Arkansas overpowered an undefeated team, and Petrino was obviously a huge part of that. After starting their 2009 schedule with a 2-2 record, this win should instill a needed confidence in the Razorbacks. They’ll need to harness this same intensity if they stand any chance against Florida next week in Gainesville.
Posted in: College Football
Tags: 2009 College Football Week 6, Arkansas Razorbacks football, Arkansas Razorbacks Week 6, Auburn Arkansas College Football Week 6, Auburn Arkansas score, Auburn Tigers football, Auburn Tigers Week 6, Auburn vs. Arkansas, Auburn vs. Arkansas recap, Auburn vs. Arkansas score, College Football, College Football Week 6, College Football Week 6 scoreboard, College Football Week 6 Scores, Hogs football, Tigers Razorbacks score, Tigers vs. Razorbacks score
Week 5 College Football Odds
Posted by Anthony Stalter (09/29/2009 @ 10:24 am)

Odds makers have released the point spreads for Week 5 in college football. Below are a list of odds for the top 25 teams and a quick-hit look at some of the marquee matchups.
No. 3 Alabama at Kentucky, 12:21PM ET
Why have Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide become the red headed stepchild of college football this year? Nobody is talking about ‘Bama and they’ve already beaten a top 10 team (Virginia Tech) and held the No. 2 offense in the nation (Arkansas) to only seven points last week. Bobby Petrino’s Razorbacks proved to be of little challenge last Saturday as the Tide limited Arkansas to only 254 total yards. This week, ‘Bama takes on a Kentucky team that couldn’t stay within four touchdowns of a Florida program that was ransacked by the flu.
Odds: Alabama –17.
No. 4 LSU at No. 18 Georgia, 3:30PM ET
The Tigers had to stave off a late rally by Mississippi State last week to beat the Bulldogs and will face a Georgia team this Saturday that has won three straight games. UGA’s three wins haven’t been pretty (especially defensively), but the Dawgs are averaging over 30 points a game and have gotten good position thanks to their return game. They’re going to need all the offense they can get this week, because LSU ranks 23rd in the nation in scoring defense. The Tigers are only allowing 15.25 points per game and rank 10th in the nation in pass efficiency defense.
Odds: Georgia –3.
No. 7 USC at No. 24 California, 8:00PM ET
The significance of this game took a hit last week didn’t it? Cal was ranked sixth in the nation entering play last week, but a 42-3 drubbing at the hands of Oregon dropped them to No. 24. USC rebounded from their 16-13 defeat to Washington by beating Washington State 27-6 last Saturday, but they received somber news earlier this week when running back Stafon Johnson injured his throat in a weight lifting accident that required emergency surgery. The focal point this week for Southern Cal will be to contain Heisman candidate Jahvid Best, who ranks ninth in the country in rushing yards. If any defense can slow Best down, it would be the Trojans, who currently rank fifth in rushing defense.
Odds: USC –6.
No. 8 Oklahoma at No. 17 Miami, 8:00PM ET
This is another Week 5 matchup that took a hit last week when the Canes were absolutely embarrassed in Blacksburg 31-7. Miami quarterback Jacory Harris looked mortal for the first time all season thanks to the Hokies’ excellent pass rush and the Canes defense didn’t show enough gap discipline as VA Tech complied 272 rushing yards. Despite losing quarterback Sam Bradford, the Sooners still own the eighth best scoring offense in college football and the 33rd best rushing attack. Miami will find it tough to move the ball on Oklahoma’s fifth best defense, one that has allowed only 4.67 points per game and has pitched two shutouts the past two weeks.
Odds: Oklahoma –7.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in: College Football
Tags: 2009 College Football Week 5, 2009 college football week 5 point spreads, Alabama vs Kentucky, College Football, college football week 5 odds, college football week 5 odds 2009, college football week 5 point spread odds, college football week 5 point spread odds 2009, college football week 5 point spreads, lsu vs georgia, Oklahoma vs Miami, usc vs cal
No. 11 Virginia Tech makes easy work of No. 9 Miami
Posted by Christopher Glotfelty (09/26/2009 @ 7:50 pm)

Virginia Tech treated their fans in Blacksburg on Saturday to a victory over one of the hottest teams in college football. With a win, Miami would have taken a large first-place lead in the competitive ACC. Unfortunately for them, Virginia Tech came in prepared and eager to please their hometown crowd. Their defense was able to control Miami’s star quarterback Jacory Harris, sacking him three times and forcing one interception. More importantly, Hokies quarterback Tyrod Taylor ran the ball very well, receiving excellent pass coverage to the tune of 75 yards. Running back Ryan Williams was also vital, racking up two touchdowns and 150 yards on 34 carries and two receptions. Hard to believe he’s just filling in for the injured Darren Evans.
After saying this week he looked forward to playing in front of a hostile crowd, he fumbled as he was being sacked on his fifth play, setting up a Hokies touchdown, and his day never got much better.
Harris threw an interception that set up another score and pushed the Hokies lead to 31-7 lead. By then the fans who had braved the horrid conditions wanted to stay and enjoy every minute.
Harris and the Hurricanes did drive 46 yards in five plays for a touchdown just 1:43 into the third quarter, pulling them within 21-7. After Miami forced the Hokies to punt, they drove to the Virginia Tech 30 with a chance to make the quieting crowd really nervous.
Instead, with the help of two drops by Jimmy Graham, Miami faced a fourth-and-13 from the 33, went for it and Harris’ 9-yard completion to Dedrick Epps came up four yards short.
Before this game, Miami found themselves ranked in the top 10 for the first time since 2005. It’s been a grueling road as Virginia Tech was their third ranked opponent in as many weeks. Fans have high hopes for Jacory Harris and company as the Miami football program is suddenly important once again. We’ll see if they can take something from this loss and rebound next week against Oklahoma.
Posted in: College Football
Tags: 2009 College Football Week 4, College Football, College football recap, College Football recaps, college football scores 2009, College Football Week 4, Hurricanes football, Hurricanes-Hokies, Miami college football, Miami football, Miami Hurricanes, Miami Hurricanes football, Miami vs Virginia Tech, Miami vs. Virginia Tech score, Miami-Virginia Tech, Miami-Virginia Tech recap, Virginia Tech college football, Virginia Tech football, Virginia Tech Hokies
Oregon clobbers Cal 42-3
Posted by Christopher Glotfelty (09/26/2009 @ 6:19 pm)

Perhaps some thought Oregon could pull off an upset by a few points, but nobody expected a blowout by these proportions. While Oregon did everything right, Cal just didn’t do much of anything. It’s strange to think the score was tied at three apiece after the first quarter. From then on, Cal decided to completely stop playing. It’s hard to even point out their mistakes. What’s obvious is that Oregon knew exactly what to do against their opponents on both ends of the field. After Oregon’s opening day loss to Boise, coach Chip Kelly is slowly getting this team back on track. This doesn’t mean he’s through refunding distraught fans, but Oregon football should definitely feel good about this win. We knew Oregon had talent — it was just a matter of when they would devour a high-ranking team.
Oregon seamlessly shut down Cal’s touted combination of quarterback Kevin Riley and running back Jahvid Best. This was the finest defensive effort of the day as Riley had trouble finding anyone open on every possession and potential Heisman candidate Best was limited to 55 yards rushing. Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, however, couldn’t have been better, completing 21 of 25 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns. Funny enough, Masoli came into this game without a single passing score. Obviously, this is quite a turn around. And who caught all of those touchdown passes? Just Ed Dickson. In a truly remarkable performance, Ed Dickson caught 11 passes for 148 yards.
Everything fell into place today with Chip Kelly’s Ducks. On the other hand, Jeff Tedford’s Golden Bears are left wondering how everything fell apart.
Posted in: College Football
Tags: 2009 College Football, 2009 College Football Week 4, 2009 College Football Week 4 recaps, 2009 College Football Week 4 Scores, Cal Golden Bears, Cal Jahvid Best, cal vs Oregon, Cal vs. Oregon college football, Cal vs. Oregon college football recap, Cal vs. Oregon college football score, Cal-Oregon, Cal-Oregon college football, Cal-Oregon college football recap, Cal-Oregon college football score, Cal-Oregon recap, Cal-Oregon score, College Football, College football recap, College Football recaps, College Football Week 4, Golden Bears-Ducks, Jacory Harris, Jacory Harris Heisman, Jahvid Best, Jahvid Best Cal, Jahvid Best Heisman Candidate, Oregon Ducks
|