Mount Rushmore of College Football Media: Top Influential Figures
College football fans are in for a nostalgic and emotional ride this weekend as Lee Corso bids farewell from GameDay at the Horseshoe. This significant moment is just one of many topics in a recent article that explores the Mount Rushmore of college football media figures, the Miami-Notre Dame rivalry, and the future of college football schedules.
Let’s break down some of the key points and insights.
Lee Corso’s Farewell from GameDay
Table of Contents
- 1 Lee Corso’s Farewell from GameDay
- 2 Mount Rushmore of College Football Media Figures
- 3 The Miami-Notre Dame Rivalry
- 4 Kansas State’s Season Outlook
- 5 The Impact of Advertising on College Football
- 6 The Future of College Football Schedules
- 7 Coaching Carousel and Financial Implications
- 8 G5 vs. P4 Upsets
- 9 Favorite Concession Items
This weekend marks a bittersweet moment for college football enthusiasts. Lee Corso, a beloved figure on GameDay, makes his final appearance.
Corso’s unique style and charismatic personality have made him a staple of Saturday mornings for generations. His tradition of donning mascot heads is an iconic part of the college football experience.
The Impact of Lee Corso
Lee Corso has left a huge mark on college football. His contributions to GameDay made the show a must-watch for fans.
Corso’s blend of humor and insight set him apart in sports media. As he steps away, it’s hard not to wonder—who could possibly fill his shoes?
Mount Rushmore of College Football Media Figures
Someone asked about the Mount Rushmore of college football media figures. The article lays out the legends who shaped the sport with their voices and unforgettable calls.
Keith Jackson
Keith Jackson stands out as the defining voice of college football for over forty years. His iconic calls, like *Goodbye … hello, Heisman* during Desmond Howard’s famous pose, are woven into the sport’s lore.
Brent Musburger
Brent Musburger’s *You are looking live* catchphrase still gives fans chills. His calls during moments like Doug Flutie’s Hail Mary and Michael Crabtree’s catch to beat Texas have cemented his place in history.
Verne Lundquist
Verne Lundquist is known for his work across several sports, but college football fans remember him best as the voice of the SEC on CBS. His commentary during the eras of Tim Tebow, Johnny Manziel, and the Kick Six is unforgettable.
Honorable Mentions
The Mount Rushmore can only fit four, but others deserve a nod. Beano Cook, Lindsey Nelson, Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and Rece Davis have all left their mark on college football media.
The Miami-Notre Dame Rivalry
The article also looks at the Miami-Notre Dame rivalry, which has faded from the spotlight lately. From the mid-1980s to early 2000s, Miami dominated college football with its swagger and national championships.
Miami’s Decline
Miami’s move from the Big East to the ACC started a two-decade decline. The program has had some bright moments but hasn’t recaptured its old magic.
Notre Dame’s Resurgence
Meanwhile, Notre Dame has stayed nationally relevant, especially under Brian Kelly and now Marcus Freeman. The Fighting Irish have played at a high level, making BCS title and College Football Playoff appearances.
Reviving the Rivalry
There’s hope the Miami-Notre Dame rivalry could heat up again. The teams will meet this season, giving Miami a shot to reassert itself on the national stage.
A win over Notre Dame might just spark new interest in this storied matchup.
Kansas State’s Season Outlook
The article touches on Kansas State’s season after a Week 1 loss to Iowa State in Dublin. It’s not all doom and gloom, though.
Positives for Kansas State
Kansas State’s defensive line looked strong. Quarterback Avery Johnson had a solid fourth quarter.
The team also has a new offensive weapon in receiver Jerand Bradley.
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Areas for Improvement
Still, there are issues to fix. Johnson’s play was inconsistent, and the offensive line struggled with the run game.
If Kansas State wants to compete for the Big 12 title, they’ll need to address these problems.
The Impact of Advertising on College Football
The article brings up the influence of advertising in college football. Dr Pepper and Wendy’s commercials are everywhere.
Some fans enjoy these ads, while others aren’t so thrilled about the products themselves.
Advertising Metrics
Advertisers track their campaigns with metrics like viewership and social media impressions. Dr Pepper’s parent company has seen a big jump in sales since starting the Fansville campaign.
That suggests advertising really does affect what fans buy.
The Future of College Football Schedules
The SEC will switch to a nine-game conference schedule in 2026. This move has sparked talk about whether all FBS conferences should do the same.
Advantages of a Nine-Game Schedule
With a nine-game schedule, teams would play each other more often. Fans would get more meaningful matchups.
It would also help crown a true conference champion by smoothing out uneven schedules.
Challenges and Considerations
But there are hurdles. Some conferences are so big that balancing the schedule gets tricky.
There’s also the question of how it all fits into College Football Playoff considerations.
Coaching Carousel and Financial Implications
The article points out the financial pressures on athletic departments, especially after recent settlement payouts. These money issues could affect coaching changes.
High Buyouts
Some coaches have huge buyouts, making it expensive for schools to make a change. Notable buyouts include Lincoln Riley’s $90 million and Mike Norvell’s $60 million.
Donor Influence
Whether donors are willing to cover those buyouts will probably decide a lot of coaching futures. Some schools might find the funds, while others could stick with their coaches to avoid more financial stress.
G5 vs. P4 Upsets
The article takes a stab at predicting which Group of Five (G5) teams might upset Power Four (P4) teams during non-conference play. Historically, a dozen or so of these upsets happen each year.
Potential Upsets
- Northwestern at Tulane: The Green Wave are actually favored here.
- Toledo at Kentucky: Toledo’s got a strong squad and could surprise Kentucky.
- Coastal Carolina at Virginia: Coastal Carolina could pull off the upset.
Looking ahead to Week 2, Ohio and NIU could also be trouble for bigger teams. And you never know—sometimes an FCS team sneaks up and beats a P4 program.
Favorite Concession Items
The article wraps up with a fun look at favorite stadium concession items. Barbecue is always a hit, but Oregon’s Autzen Stadium gets a special mention for its salmon sandwich.
Best Drinks
When it comes to drinks, nothing beats a tall, cold fountain cup of Coke with crushed ice. That first sip just hits different on a hot day at the stadium.
Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium serves this up with unlimited refills. Honestly, that’s hard to top for any fan.
For more in-depth analysis and insights on college football, check out the full article on The New York Times.