Anybody else here tune in yesterday for the first day? I thought it was pretty awesome. Those FS1 Live guys were funny as hell...

The first voice on FS1 was Curt Menefee, who recorded a brief welcome message after Speed signed off. The next voice was Eli Gold, taken from the radio call of the BCS Title Game this past January, as the first show was the Fox College Football Kickoff.

I tried to watch Fox Sports Live, but it was painful. Too many voices, too much going on.

(08-21-2013 09:59 AM)vandiver49 Wrote:  I tried to watch Fox Sports Live, but it was painful. Too many voices, too much going on.

Yes, I agree for all of their shows, which right now just appears to be a football, the Regis, and the nightly show. It is probably easier to pare down the people on a show than to try and add later. The Regis show looks like a basketball bench on the sideline. There is nothing wrong with having a voice pop in and out like they do with Clay Travis on the football show.

My only real complaint so far is that Erin Andrews never seems to "get" any of the side banter going on and sometimes act annoyed by it. She was like that, too, on ESPN, so it is no surprise. What makes Chris Fowler and Rece Davis so good is that they always seem to be in on the joke and coyly play along for the right amount of time. When it is time to move on, they are both great at giving a no comeback closer and moving forward. However, stick both of those guys on an all female panel talking about anything, and they would probably go through the same issue as Erin.

If they are going to build around her long term, which it appears they will, they should strongly consider replacing one of the guys (I would vote for getting rid of Eddie George or Perreira) with another woman so they can play off each other. Holly Anderson would have been a good choice. I also think Jemele Hill does a good job, although I don't know if she's into CFB or not. They do NOT need another Erin type; a female from a journalist/reporting background would be ideal. Shoot, how about Pam Oliver? She is already with Fox and knows the football culture inside and out. It would not take her long to learn about college specific topics. They already have Clay and that pretty boy QB to be the college culture voices.

(08-21-2013 10:41 AM)bigblueblindness Wrote:  

(08-21-2013 09:59 AM)vandiver49 Wrote:  I tried to watch Fox Sports Live, but it was painful. Too many voices, too much going on.

Yes, I agree for all of their shows, which right now just appears to be a football, the Regis, and the nightly show. It is probably easier to pare down the people on a show than to try and add later. The Regis show looks like a basketball bench on the sideline. There is nothing wrong with having a voice pop in and out like they do with Clay Travis on the football show.

My only real complaint so far is that Erin Andrews never seems to "get" any of the side banter going on and sometimes act annoyed by it. She was like that, too, on ESPN, so it is no surprise. What makes Chris Fowler and Rece Davis so good is that they always seem to be in on the joke and coyly play along for the right amount of time. When it is time to move on, they are both great at giving a no comeback closer and moving forward. However, stick both of those guys on an all female panel talking about anything, and they would probably go through the same issue as Erin.

If they are going to build around her long term, which it appears they will, they should strongly consider replacing one of the guys (I would vote for getting rid of Eddie George or Perreira) with another woman so they can play off each other. Holly Anderson would have been a good choice. I also think Jemele Hill does a good job, although I don't know if she's into CFB or not. They do NOT need another Erin type; a female from a journalist/reporting background would be ideal. Shoot, how about Pam Oliver? She is already with Fox and knows the football culture inside and out. It would not take her long to learn about college specific topics. They already have Clay and that pretty boy QB to be the college culture voices.

I've never been impressed with Erin in any capacity. At ESPN she somehow managed to stifle the cohesion of College Game Day. You're correct in the FOX needs to get their version of Chris or Rece to pair with Erin. Curt Menefee is definitely capable, but I'm not sure if he's willing. Pam Oliver is a great suggestion.

To me, it just appeared as if FOX just decided to throw as many bodies as possible without any concern as to the nature of the task. 'Opinionists' like Donovan McNabb, Gary Payton, Andy Roddick, and Ephraim Salaam lake the depth necessary to comment on sports in a broad manner. I think Howie Long would have made a better choice, but I'm sure he decided to stay in his wheelhouse.

The biggest loss was that FOX began this endeavor 7-10 years too late. Had FS1 started right after Chris Rose just finished up 'Best Damn' the momentum would have solidly carried FOX to the #2 sports content provider.

Of all the sports commentators so far, I've like Randy Moss the most. That is not a huge surprise; ever since he stepped foot in Nashville for his stint with the Titans, every one of those players said he was one of the best teammates and most knowledgeable player about the game that they had ever played with. He is smart and quick; he made one of the biggest heels in our town (Paul Kuharsky) look dumb on several occasions during interviews.

(08-21-2013 12:49 PM)bigblueblindness Wrote:  Of all the sports commentators so far, I've like Randy Moss the most. That is not a huge surprise; ever since he stepped foot in Nashville for his stint with the Titans, every one of those players said he was one of the best teammates and most knowledgeable player about the game that they had ever played with. He is smart and quick; he made one of the biggest heels in our town (Paul Kuharsky) look dumb on several occasions during interviews.

I am sure they will iron out any bumps and be a first class network. They always do... I think they were just trying to get all the faces on TV together so we could see who they are.

(08-21-2013 12:49 PM)bigblueblindness Wrote:  Of all the sports commentators so far, I've like Randy Moss the most. That is not a huge surprise; ever since he stepped foot in Nashville for his stint with the Titans, every one of those players said he was one of the best teammates and most knowledgeable player about the game that they had ever played with. He is smart and quick; he made one of the biggest heels in our town (Paul Kuharsky) look dumb on several occasions during interviews.

Randy Moss has potential. He just needs to calm down. From the way he tripped over his words you can see he think a lot faster than he speaks. Combined with his Appalachian drawl, I'm sure he's always a sentence or two ahead in his thought process.

(08-21-2013 09:59 AM)vandiver49 Wrote:  I tried to watch Fox Sports Live, but it was painful. Too many voices, too much going on.

Agree. After years of watching sports broadcasts and talk shows, the format I enjoy the most is two people (I don't care if they are male or female as long as they know and understand sports) commenting on the event or the players with knowledgeable guests who speak and then are questioned.

I despise every program of any kind on television where a bunch of talking heads are speaking over each other and the whole thing turns into a din of shrill voices. I want to hear the news or information, not watch a bunch of wild dogs tearing at a carcass. That goes for MSNBC financial shows, sports shows on every channel, and ridiculous talk shows ranging from news to entertainment. That kind of programming tears at my last frayed nerve and nothing gets me to change channels quicker.

As to Clay Travis, I can't stand him. He is hooked into a low level of information and acts more as a mouthpiece. On top of that everything about him screams, "I grew up in the right circles and am here because I know the right people." His views don't represent the region he claims to speak for, and he doesn't come across as a person of national interest, so what good is he? Like all realignment gurus he's been right about nothing. The difference between Travis and the Dude is that the Dude actually put his rep on the line with his predictions and Travis was smart enough to never really make a claim directly attributable to himself. Other than that the Dude didn't really have any connections and Travis did.

I don't like Finebaum speaking for the SECN because he caters to Alabama, because their fan base made him. But, he does know the SEC and he paid his dues coming up the sports media ladder. Which is shorthand for saying he does know stuff, and he knows other tough people who know stuff, and therefore he knows what the right questions are. Travis doesn't know his butt from a hole in the ground unless somebody else has told him. As an old fart who spent time becoming familiar with corporately connected faces that are anointed by the company as the new guru of whatever, but who in reality married into the right family or was born into it, I can spot these guys a mile off. I've watched them ruin businesses, destroy esprit de corps, and wind up (without my approval or that of anyone I know) in high political office. I can't help it if every time I see another one being given what it took years for a real person to earn and that pisses me off.

Give me a truly bright person who earned their position and I will show you a humbler and wiser leader than some putz who feels entitled. Travis feels entitled. I realize that FOX needed a voice for Southern football, but there are many out there far more qualified, and who actually know what the espouse.

JR, I feel pretty confident that Clay got the Fox gig because of Erin Andrews. I keep it on 104.5, which is the station where Clay is on in the afternoons. Erin is a weekly guest for a lot of the year, and he is excellent at "girl" talk. He caters to things she wants to talk about, including the sporting event "after" parties, reality TV, how Nashville musicians get such fabulous hair, etc. He is good at two things. One is getting stupid people riled up, not dissimilar to Finebaum when he decides to enter Jerry Springer mode. The other is getting guests to talk about subjects that they would not usually broach, such as personal life, views, and their background. He has drawn out some of the best quotes from Les Miles and is responsible for about half of the funny but unwise things that James Franklin has said over the last year and a half. If he must be on Fox, they should use him as the interviewer for SEC people. Regarding actual knowledge, you're spot on, he is a circus ringmaster who is just used to arouse.

(08-23-2013 12:51 PM)bigblueblindness Wrote:  JR, I feel pretty confident that Clay got the Fox gig because of Erin Andrews. I keep it on 104.5, which is the station where Clay is on in the afternoons. Erin is a weekly guest for a lot of the year, and he is excellent at "girl" talk. He caters to things she wants to talk about, including the sporting event "after" parties, reality TV, how Nashville musicians get such fabulous hair, etc. He is good at two things. One is getting stupid people riled up, not dissimilar to Finebaum when he decides to enter Jerry Springer mode. The other is getting guests to talk about subjects that they would not usually broach, such as personal life, views, and their background. He has drawn out some of the best quotes from Les Miles and is responsible for about half of the funny but unwise things that James Franklin has said over the last year and a half. If he must be on Fox, they should use him as the interviewer for SEC people. Regarding actual knowledge, you're spot on, he is a circus ringmaster who is just used to arouse.

I guess while I'm on a rant roll I toss in Miss Andrews as well. I never liked her. Her interviews were stiff and her whole presence seemed forced. And why everyone thought she was a babe is beyond me. Every time I saw her all I could hear in my head was Captain Quint from Jaws saying, "here's to swimmin with bowlegged women." She was a tall blonde with lots of hair. After that she was a bowlegged, zero charisma, with a sharp nose and eyes set too close together. She reminded me more of Big Bird than a beauty queen. God bless Holly Rowe, she may not be pretty, but she's a darned good sportscaster and has enough intelligence to ask good questions. When I think sports babe, I expect to see another version of Phyllis George, (before your time) not some skank from the Delta Zeta house.

You are on a rant, JR! College Game Day was so much better last year without her. Like I said in an earlier post on this thread, she never "gets" it when her colleagues or guests are trying to be funny, witty, or playful. While we are ranting, I'd love to see the following groupings on ESPN. There are in order of broadcaster, lead analyst, and third wheel.

CFB - Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and Lee Corso (I know he can be weak, especially post-stroke, but Fowler and Herbstreit are at their best when feeding off him. He gets a legacy spot for a few more years.)

CBB - Rece Davis, Jay Bilas, and Dick Vitale (same argument as Corso. I personally love his passion, but I can see how many do not.)

NBA - I like the matchup of Wilbon, Jalen Rose, and Bill Simmons. Magic Johnson doesn't ever really add substance.

(08-23-2013 02:45 PM)bigblueblindness Wrote:  You are on a rant, JR! College Game Day was so much better last year without her. Like I said in an earlier post on this thread, she never "gets" it when her colleagues or guests are trying to be funny, witty, or playful. While we are ranting, I'd love to see the following groupings on ESPN. There are in order of broadcaster, lead analyst, and third wheel.

CFB - Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and Lee Corso (I know he can be weak, especially post-stroke, but Fowler and Herbstreit are at their best when feeding off him. He gets a legacy spot for a few more years.)

CBB - Rece Davis, Jay Bilas, and Dick Vitale (same argument as Corso. I personally love his passion, but I can see how many do not.)

NBA - I like the matchup of Wilbon, Jalen Rose, and Bill Simmons. Magic Johnson doesn't ever really add substance.

I'll vote for Nomar and Oral for College baseball. Those guys are so good for the LLWS every year. They are not egotistical, focus on the game, and do a fantastic job of analysis. I get sick of ex jocks who only talk about themselves. I'd love to hear those guys doing ESPN college baseball or even MLB baseball.

And on another note I can't stand Gary and Vern on our CBS 3:30 games. I turn down the sound and dial up a set of SEC radio announcers for one of teams playing if I can. The only problem is that since HD has a delay it gets aggravating hearing the play before I see it. If CBS is going to broadcast SEC football they need somebody with knowledge of the region and customs, and a deep appreciation for our brand of football, to do the announcing.

(08-23-2013 03:12 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(08-23-2013 02:45 PM)bigblueblindness Wrote:  You are on a rant, JR! College Game Day was so much better last year without her. Like I said in an earlier post on this thread, she never "gets" it when her colleagues or guests are trying to be funny, witty, or playful. While we are ranting, I'd love to see the following groupings on ESPN. There are in order of broadcaster, lead analyst, and third wheel.

CFB - Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and Lee Corso (I know he can be weak, especially post-stroke, but Fowler and Herbstreit are at their best when feeding off him. He gets a legacy spot for a few more years.)

CBB - Rece Davis, Jay Bilas, and Dick Vitale (same argument as Corso. I personally love his passion, but I can see how many do not.)

NBA - I like the matchup of Wilbon, Jalen Rose, and Bill Simmons. Magic Johnson doesn't ever really add substance.

I'll vote for Nomar and Oral for College baseball. Those guys are so good for the LLWS every year. They are not egotistical, focus on the game, and do a fantastic job of analysis. I get sick of ex jocks who only talk about themselves. I'd love to hear those guys doing ESPN college baseball or even MLB baseball.

And on another note I can't stand Gary and Vern on our CBS 3:30 games. I turn down the sound and dial up a set of SEC radio announcers for one of teams playing if I can. The only problem is that since HD has a delay it gets aggravating hearing the play before I see it. If CBS is going to broadcast SEC football they need somebody with knowledge of the region and customs, and a deep appreciation for our brand of football, to do the announcing.

I know, I wish it was the other way around where the radio was several seconds behind the TV so you could just pause the TV and make it match the radio. If radio were smart, they would offer that option or figure out how to match up with the HD stream. I bet a ton of people would opt for the radio and turn the TV down.

You're right on Nomar and Orel. They do a great job. I also miss Jon Miller in the Sundy Night Baseball booth. Dan Shulman does fine, but I associate him more with basketball. For my generation, Jon Miller is really the voice of baseball.

(08-23-2013 03:50 PM)bigblueblindness Wrote:  

(08-23-2013 03:12 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(08-23-2013 02:45 PM)bigblueblindness Wrote:  You are on a rant, JR! College Game Day was so much better last year without her. Like I said in an earlier post on this thread, she never "gets" it when her colleagues or guests are trying to be funny, witty, or playful. While we are ranting, I'd love to see the following groupings on ESPN. There are in order of broadcaster, lead analyst, and third wheel.

CFB - Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and Lee Corso (I know he can be weak, especially post-stroke, but Fowler and Herbstreit are at their best when feeding off him. He gets a legacy spot for a few more years.)

CBB - Rece Davis, Jay Bilas, and Dick Vitale (same argument as Corso. I personally love his passion, but I can see how many do not.)

NBA - I like the matchup of Wilbon, Jalen Rose, and Bill Simmons. Magic Johnson doesn't ever really add substance.

I'll vote for Nomar and Oral for College baseball. Those guys are so good for the LLWS every year. They are not egotistical, focus on the game, and do a fantastic job of analysis. I get sick of ex jocks who only talk about themselves. I'd love to hear those guys doing ESPN college baseball or even MLB baseball.

And on another note I can't stand Gary and Vern on our CBS 3:30 games. I turn down the sound and dial up a set of SEC radio announcers for one of teams playing if I can. The only problem is that since HD has a delay it gets aggravating hearing the play before I see it. If CBS is going to broadcast SEC football they need somebody with knowledge of the region and customs, and a deep appreciation for our brand of football, to do the announcing.

I know, I wish it was the other way around where the radio was several seconds behind the TV so you could just pause the TV and make it match the radio. If radio were smart, they would offer that option or figure out how to match up with the HD stream. I bet a ton of people would opt for the radio and turn the TV down.

You're right on Nomar and Orel. They do a great job. I also miss Jon Miller in the Sundy Night Baseball booth. Dan Shulman does fine, but I associate him more with basketball. For my generation, Jon Miller is really the voice of baseball.

I do that for Cardinals baseball...

(08-21-2013 09:59 AM)vandiver49 Wrote:  I tried to watch Fox Sports Live, but it was painful. Too many voices, too much going on.

I agree. Too much caffeine and wanting to be SportsCenter going on.

(08-23-2013 03:12 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(08-23-2013 02:45 PM)bigblueblindness Wrote:  You are on a rant, JR! College Game Day was so much better last year without her. Like I said in an earlier post on this thread, she never "gets" it when her colleagues or guests are trying to be funny, witty, or playful. While we are ranting, I'd love to see the following groupings on ESPN. There are in order of broadcaster, lead analyst, and third wheel.

CFB - Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and Lee Corso (I know he can be weak, especially post-stroke, but Fowler and Herbstreit are at their best when feeding off him. He gets a legacy spot for a few more years.)

CBB - Rece Davis, Jay Bilas, and Dick Vitale (same argument as Corso. I personally love his passion, but I can see how many do not.)

NBA - I like the matchup of Wilbon, Jalen Rose, and Bill Simmons. Magic Johnson doesn't ever really add substance.

I'll vote for Nomar and Oral for College baseball. Those guys are so good for the LLWS every year. They are not egotistical, focus on the game, and do a fantastic job of analysis. I get sick of ex jocks who only talk about themselves. I'd love to hear those guys doing ESPN college baseball or even MLB baseball.

And on another note I can't stand Gary and Vern on our CBS 3:30 games. I turn down the sound and dial up a set of SEC radio announcers for one of teams playing if I can. The only problem is that since HD has a delay it gets aggravating hearing the play before I see it. If CBS is going to broadcast SEC football they need somebody with knowledge of the region and customs, and a deep appreciation for our brand of football, to do the announcing.

Orel sucks in the college world series IMO. Doesn't do his homework and he will literally use the same stories in every game.

Agreed with Verne and Gary. Those guys are awful. As my brother said when we went to the USC/UF game this year, "well the only bright spot is we didn't have to listen to the CBS guys