I was watching ESPN's "Outside The Lines" last night and they were interviewing Spielman about the Lions GM Matt Millen. During the interview, he was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt with the green and red MAC emblem on it. I was curious if he has a connection with a certain MAC team or the conference or if it is just a shirt that he has. Does anyone know?
He's always been a MAC supporter, although he played at B10 school. He's out for the little guy.
Who turns down a nice hooded sweatshirt?
Nobody, that's who.
Don't read anything into this.
Spielman may suck at commentary but he supports the MAC, which makes him a good guy.
He from Ohio. proablly has friends & family intrested in MAC schools. He choices not to turn nose down to them
msopher Wrote:Spielman may suck at commentary but he supports the MAC, which makes him a good guy.
DIsagree. He's a great commentator who explains a lot of the game to the audience. The other night he went over a real quick read on personell. THis is a 10 package(1 back 0 tights), this is a 22 package(2 backs 2 tights). He also went over a couple of reads the LBs make on guards, and a read that the QB makes on the LBs to shift protection. Good stuff, and he's out for hte little guy so you gotta like him.
knight_01 Wrote:msopher Wrote:Spielman may suck at commentary but he supports the MAC, which makes him a good guy.
DIsagree. He's a great commentator who explains a lot of the game to the audience. The other night he went over a real quick read on personell. THis is a 10 package(1 back 0 tights), this is a 22 package(2 backs 2 tights). He also went over a couple of reads the LBs make on guards, and a read that the QB makes on the LBs to shift protection. Good stuff, and he's out for hte little guy so you gotta like him.
I've heard criticisms of him that I don't understand. Spielman gives GREAT commentary...real insights into the game, not fluff and cliche.
He's the best in college football that I can think of.
You can tell Spielman still loves the game. The examples you all point out reflect how I remember him in recent games, too. He's not afraid to say a guy isn't playing well and takes the time to point out interesting nuances, too. If it's a choice between him, Craig James, Gottfried or Davies, he's my choice every single time.
msopher Wrote:Spielman may suck at commentary but he supports the MAC, which makes him a good guy.
As a former player there is no doubt in my mind that Spiel is THE best commentator out there...look for him to move up the chain quickly...Who exactly do you consider much better? and WHY is it you think he sucks?
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DIsagree. He's a great commentator who explains a lot of the game to the audience. The other night he went over a real quick read on personell. THis is a 10 package(1 back 0 tights), this is a 22 package(2 backs 2 tights). He also went over a couple of reads the LBs make on guards, and a read that the QB makes on the LBs to shift protection. Good stuff, and he's out for hte little guy so you gotta like him.[/quote]
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I liked the commentary about run v pass for a LB read... ..SOUND of the game when OL are pass blocking there is less noise (i.e back pedaling forming cup) vs run blocking........ pads popping and grunting imeadately on the runs...
Spielman is the best there is, in my opinion. The guy just exudes knowledge and he picks things up so fast. I wish he would coach in the MAC.
He also never condescends to make you feel like the MAC is a lesser brand of football.
Even SI's Dr. Z, in his annual best announcers gave a shout out to Spielman last year, though he doesn't even do NFL games.
How about at the end of the MCB when he offhandedly suggests the Zips anticipate the snap and try to slap the ball away from the center, something I've never heard suggested before, then Akron actually does it and it darn near works!
MacLord Wrote:Even SI's Dr. Z, in his annual best announcers gave a shout out to Spielman last year, though he doesn't even do NFL games.
I thought Dr. Z criticized Spielman. I remember being disappointed when I read that (although it might have been 2 years ago).
Dr. Z's text is as follows, under the heading FIVE GUYS I'D LIKE TO SEE IN THE BOOTH:
1. Chris Spielman: The ex-Bills linebacker currently does college football for ESPN. I heard him call a fake field goal before it happened. Why? Because he saw the kicker spending extra time talking to the coach on the sidelines before he went out. Spielman was on top of everything, all game long. Some network would score a real coup by hiring him, but I don't give them credit for figuring out something like this.
I agree. I think his commentary usually adds something to the game. Not adding distraction like most. I was glad to see they didn't team him up with Pam Oliver again this year. She sucks...
Spielman has improved a lot. I think he has put more effort into it since he isn't coaching anymore.
His teaming with Pam was bad...but Mark Jones is worse. Spielman needs to be promoted within ESPN.
MacLord Wrote:Dr. Z's text is as follows, under the heading FIVE GUYS I'D LIKE TO SEE IN THE BOOTH:
1. Chris Spielman: The ex-Bills linebacker currently does college football for ESPN. I heard him call a fake field goal before it happened. Why? Because he saw the kicker spending extra time talking to the coach on the sidelines before he went out. Spielman was on top of everything, all game long. Some network would score a real coup by hiring him, but I don't give them credit for figuring out something like this.
I did some searching and found only this too. Glad I was wrong. I must have misread it somehow.
I also think Spielman does a great job of analyzing a game.
He isn't a bad commentator. Just don't let him near an AFL field again. Yikes he had a bad year as the Destroyers coach, no wonder they let him go.
blah Wrote:I agree. I think his commentary usually adds something to the game. Not adding distraction like most. I was glad to see they didn't team him up with Pam Oliver again this year. She sucks...
It's Pam Ward, not Pam Oliver (who does sideline reporting for Fox). And, Pam Ward doesn't suck. She is much better than Mark Jones. In fact, she is better than most of the other play-by-play people who do college (or pro) games. She follows the game well, she doesn't misidentify players and penalties, and she doesn't scream. I think a lot of people have a bias against women doing men's sports, but she does just fine.
BGFalcons Wrote:blah Wrote:I agree. I think his commentary usually adds something to the game. Not adding distraction like most. I was glad to see they didn't team him up with Pam Oliver again this year. She sucks...
It's Pam Ward, not Pam Oliver (who does sideline reporting for Fox). And, Pam Ward doesn't suck. She is much better than Mark Jones. In fact, she is better than most of the other play-by-play people who do college (or pro) games. She follows the game well, she doesn't misidentify players and penalties, and she doesn't scream. I think a lot of people have a bias against women doing men's sports, but she does just fine.
You are right with the name, but wrong with the commentary. I don't have any problem with women as sportscasters, but the football game is not a funeral and that is always what I felt like watching her. She never has any emotion. This flaw was made worse by the fact that Chris Spielman is more animated, making it an even worse fit.