With the massive amount of televised college football and NFL games every weekend the announcers can get “lost in the shuffle.” However, I’ve come up with a quick list of underrated football broadcast teams that don’t always get the biggest games, but make you feel like are watching one.
Here goes:
Current Top Underrated Football Broadcast Crews
5. Tom Hart and Jordan Rodgers (SEC Network)
Though their reach is more regional, Hart and Rodgers have developed smooth chemistry covering SEC football primarily on Saturday nights. Rodgers, a former Vandy QB and the less famous brother of Aaron, brings a confident, player-informed perspective. Meanwhile, Hart is always prepared with storylines and enthusiastic at the big moments.
They are veterans of now nine seasons calling the SEC games and give great perspective on the conference and what to watch. While they lack the “bigger platform” of some of the others on this list, they’re a reliable, entertaining tandem deserving wider recognition.
4. Bob Wischusen and Louis Riddick (ESPN)
Wischusen, a seasoned pro works numerous sports at high level for ESPN, delivers steady and exciting play-by-play. As for Riddick, he’s an established star now for “the Worldwide leader in Sports” NFL coverage, but he has blossomed calling the college games. Riddick’s mindset is shaped by his front-office background and critically, he teaches with into X’s and O’s every week. Some who watch might find his delivery a little dense, but his insight/football IQ is evident.
Their team often gets overlooked in ESPN’s crowded booth rotations and is likely doing an early Saturday game, because Wischusen has to get to New York Jets games for Sunday, but they deserve more attention for their consistent strong work.
3. Jason Benetti and Robert Griffin III (FOX Sports)
Benetti’s sharp wit and rhythmic delivery meshes surprisingly well with RGIII’s high-energy, unpredictable style. This team was put together this season for college games on Fox, as Benetti’s partner Brock Huard elected to resign to spend time with his family. Griffin brings a modern, player-centric viewpoint and obviously, won a Heisman Trophy at Baylor for his credibility. But, he isn’t afraid to take risks on air, offering criticisms and bold takes.
Benetti, who’s tremendous on his calls of MLB and college hoops too, keeps the broadcast grounded, allowing RGIII’s personality to shine without derailing the flow. This duo has gotten some marquee second games behind Fox’s #1 “Big Noon” crew of Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt and has real long-term potential.
2. Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge (NBC Sports)
In their third season on “Big Ten Saturday Night” Noah Eagle, son of iconic play by player Ian Eagle, has quickly emerged on his own, as one of the best young voices in football. His command, poise, and humor belie his age. And, he’s already formed strong chemistry with veteran analyst Todd Blackledge almost from broadcast one, two years ago. Blackledge has been a mainstay of big time college football since calling games for CBS in the 90s and then for 20 years on ESPN. He brings decades of college football expertise and communicates with clarity and depth.
And, they embrace the huge age gap of nearly forty years in how they call the game. Their work on NBC’s Big Ten coverage included a tremendous call of the USC-Notre Dame game this past weekend. And, it’s clean, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable. Sure, Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth get all the attention 24 hours later for “Sunday Night Football,” but the Saturday team deserves some “props” too.
1. Kevin Harlan and Trent Green (CBS Sports)
By far, the most underrated, yet deserving of bigger games crew on my list is the dynamic duo of Harlan and Trent Green. Harlan’s energetic play-by-play voice is unmatched, delivering drama and excitement with every snap. Even though he’s in his 60s, you ALWAYS feel like it’s a huge game with him on the call, including his work for CBS’ NCAA hoops coverage and his previous NBA calls for Turner Sports.
Harlan’s ability to elevate any moment makes him a fan favorite, yet he rarely gets the top marquee NFL matchup on Sunday. Still, paired with former quarterback Green for almost a decade now, they are a great listen. Green who played QB in the NFL at a high level in the 90s and 2000s, relates from his years of experience and he has the feel to “get out of the way” and let Harlan “do his thing” with the call. And, then, Green immediately times “jumping back in” with really consistent, solid takes on why something did or didn’t work.
Together, they bring a professional, energetic call that is unfortunately, usually only on a regional basis Sundays on CBS. Their thrilling regional call of the Buccaneers-Seahawks high scoring, wild game in Seattle to the West and mainly Central Florida two weeks ago is a classic example.
Clearly, “the Eye” has Jim Nantz/Tony Romo on their biggest games and are grooming Ian Eagle and J.J. Watt right behind them to maybe some day be the #1 team, but Harlan and Green are outstanding together.
