Awful Announcing
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Joe Tessitore goes absolutely wild on a big-man TD call
ESPN’s Joe Tessatore delivers his signature high‑energy play‑by‑play during a SEC showdown on Saturday night when Texas defensive tackle Maraad Watson, a 333‑pound lineman, recovers AJ Swann’s fumble and bolts a 61‑yard touchdown against Mississippi State. Tessatore’s vivid call—"BALL IS OUT! ... LIKE A TRACTOR TRAILER GOING THROUGH THE TEXAS NIGHT… GET THAT GUY SOME OXYGEN!"—captures the unexpected big‑man score and highlights his dual talent as a wrestling and football announcer. The broadcast, paired with Jesse Palmer, was also ranked No. 7 in Awful Announcing’s 2025 college football announcer poll.
Paul Finebaum goes off after latest Oklahoma loss: ‘Brent Venables is dead’
On the Awful Announcing Podcast, Paul Finebaum erupts over Oklahoma’s 42-25 loss to South Carolina, declaring coach Brent Venables “dead” after the Sooners slip to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the Big 12. Finebaum lambasts Venables’ recent contract extension and cites the defeat as an “abject disaster,” while Venables offers only a brief apology. Oklahoma now faces a daunting road trip to No. 25 Florida and No. 12 Ole Miss.
TV and streaming viewing picks for November 2, 2026: How to watch college basketball
Awful Announcing’s November 2 guide lists every college basketball game you can stream or watch on TV today. Highlights include the Field of 68 tip‑off at the Sanford Pentagon (Tennessee State vs Murray State at 11:30 a.m.) and the high‑profile Gonzaga vs Purdue showdown on TNT/truTV/HBO Max at 7:30 p.m. Other marquee matchups feature UCLA vs Arizona on TNT at 10 p.m., Miami FL vs Florida on ESPN2 at 6 p.m., and the Hall of Fame Series opener at T‑Mobile Arena. The guide also details dozens of Division II and III games streaming on ESPN+, FloSports, and conference networks throughout the day, giving fans a complete roadmap to all college basketball action.
Stevie Van Zandt can’t stand the ESPN App: ‘SUCKS MOOSE C*CK!’
Rock legend and Sopranos star Stevie "Little Steven" Van Zandt vented on Twitter that the ESPN app "sucks" after he couldn’t quickly access Sunday NFL Countdown on NFL Sunday. His profanity‑filled post on November 1, 2026 highlights navigation frustrations many fans share, despite recent app improvements. The article notes Van Zandt could adjust settings to open the "Watch" tab directly and points out that even high‑profile users are hearing the same complaints. Bill Simmons even called the tweet his favorite of 2026, underscoring the broader fan backlash against the app’s usability.
Jim Nantz, J.J. Watt don’t shy away from Justin Tucker signing during Chiefs-Broncos game
During the CBS broadcast of the Broncos' 28-24 comeback win over the Chiefs, Jim Nantz and J.J. Watt highlighted the controversy surrounding the Chiefs' signing of kicker Justin Tucker. Nantz noted Tucker's 10‑game suspension last season for personal‑conduct violations and the backlash over multiple non‑consensual behavior allegations, while Watt pointed out how head coach Andy Reid spent half his press conference defending the move. The discussion came as Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker missed a crucial 54‑yard field goal, keeping Tucker’s signing in the spotlight.
Tim Brando puts brutal announcer jinx on Oklahoma State kicker: ‘Have your fun, Awful Announcing’
During the high‑scoring Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State game on Nov. 1, 2026, Fox Sports’ Tim Brando publicly announced that OSU kicker Sam Keltner’s perfect 18‑for‑18 field‑goal record was about to be broken. Keltner missed a 45‑yard attempt in the first quarter, a miss that ultimately contributed to Oklahoma State’s 51‑49 defeat. Brando later joked that his commentary jinxed the kick, highlighting the announcer’s self‑awareness and the thin margin that decided the game.
ESPN’s Kendra Andrews posts video from Valkyries’ celebration despite league policy against locker room access
After Game 7 of the WNBA Finals, ESPN reporter Kendra Andrews posts video from the Golden State Valkyries’ championship locker‑room celebration, sparking debate because the league reinstated a lockdown on locker‑room access in 2023. Only a handful of reporters were allowed inside, while others were redirected to a separate area at Chase Center. The move highlights ongoing tension between player‑privacy concerns and the WNBA’s push for greater media coverage to fuel storytelling and fan engagement.
Elle Duncan aces first WNBA Finals trophy presentation as lead host for USA Sports
Elle Duncan makes her debut as lead host for USA Sports during the 2026 WNBA Finals trophy ceremony, delivering a 12‑minute masterclass that highlighted the Golden State Valkyries' Game 7 win over the Atlanta Dream. The Valkyries clinched their first championship at San Francisco’s Chase Center, becoming the fastest franchise to win a title in U.S. sports history. Duncan praised Finals MVP Gabby Williams, emphasized the league’s growth, and skillfully blended commentary with player interviews, earning acclaim from analysts and teammates. Her performance showcases what thoughtful, informed coverage of women’s basketball can look like.
WRAL’s Pat Welter dubious of TMZ report on Bill Belichick-Jordon Hudson split
WRAL reporter Pat Welter casts doubt on TMZ's claim that New England Patriots legend Bill Belichick and his longtime confidante Jordon Hudson split a year ago. Welter cites multiple sources who say they have heard no breakup, pointing to recent photos of Belichick embracing Hudson after UNC's win over Duke and a cheerleading event in April. While TMZ notes they remain business partners and friends, Welter emphasizes the lack of confirmation from Hudson or UNC. The story unfolds amid ongoing turmoil in Belichick's North Carolina football program.
Big 12 admits replay officials were ‘incorrect’ overturning BYU-ASU fumble call
The Big 12 concedes its replay crew wrongly awarded BYU a touchdown in the Cougars’ 27‑20 win over Arizona State on November 1, 2026. Early in the first quarter, QB Bear Bachmeier fumbled on a sneak; officials first called the ball dead, but a replay review reversed the call, crediting a touchdown to BYU’s Sione Moa. The conference later admitted the decision violated Rule 12‑3‑3‑d‑2, which should have given BYU a third‑and‑goal from the two‑yard line. This marks the third consecutive controversial Big 12 officiating error affecting BYU games, following disputed calls in the BYU‑Notre Dame and UCF matchups.
Photographer explains story behind viral shot of Brewers clinching first World Series win
The iconic photo of Brewers catcher William Contreras celebrating the franchise’s first World Series win over the Tampa Bay Rays was captured by photographers Mike Carlson and Carmen Mandato, not by AI or drones. Carlson explains on Instagram that the shot came from a remote‑triggered camera mounted on the stadium catwalk, linked to a network that instantly sends images to editors. The behind‑the‑scenes method mirrors NBA “spotlight” techniques and highlights the collaborative spirit between the two Getty photographers.
Rex Ryan shreds Raiders’ Ashton Jeanty for comments on Jets’ defense: ‘You are horrible’
ESPN analyst and former Jets coach Rex Ryan unleashed a scathing tirade at Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty after Jeanty claimed New York’s defense “doesn’t really want to tackle.” On Sunday NFL Countdown, Ryan called Jeanty “soft as Charmin,” labeled him the worst draft pick in two decades, and mocked his 3.1‑yard average. Ryan warned he’ll confront Jeanty before the upcoming matchup, emphasizing the rookie’s poor performance (sixth overall in 2025, 3.5 yards per carry) and the Raiders’ four‑game losing streak. The rant underscores growing tension as Las Vegas fights to salvage a faltering season.
Russell Wilson shades Sean Payton during Sunday pregame: ‘You may like me, you may not’
On Nov. 1, 2026, former Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, now a CBS analyst on The NFL Today+, reignited his feud with coach Sean Payton by teasing the Broncos‑Chiefs matchup: “I’m riding with the Denver Broncos… Sean Payton, you may like me, you may not.” Wilson, who posted a throw‑away line on social media, revisited his 11‑19 stint in Denver that ended with an $85 million dead‑money cut. Despite the lingering drama—highlighted by Payton’s earlier comments and Wilson’s 2025 bounty‑gate jab—Wilson still backs the Broncos to defeat Kansas City, showing he can separate analysis from personal grievances.
Marchand: 5% chance Troy Aikman does not call Super Bowl with Joe Buck in February
Andrew Marchand of The Athletic says there’s a 95% chance Troy Aikman will still call Super Bowl LXI with Joe Buck in February, despite a heated September blow‑up over Buck’s secret contract extension. The rift has left Aikman’s future in ESPN’s top booth uncertain, with CBS, Prime Video, Fox and NBC already securing their lead analysts through 2028‑2030. While the pair have completed two more Monday Night Football broadcasts professionally, speculation remains that ESPN could need a replacement mid‑season. Marchand estimates only a 5% chance Aikman will be out, but fans will keep watching the booth for any tell‑tale signs.
UFC Fight Night broadcast airs Trump ad promising Americans $5,000 for GOP midterm win
During the UFC Fight Night: Vegas 123 broadcast on Paramount+, a picture‑in‑picture ad featured former President Donald Trump promising a $5,000 "Trump Dividend" to every adult American if Republicans keep control of both the House and Senate in the November 3 midterms. Legal experts note the claim resembles a campaign promise, and a federal judge recently barred the ad for using taxpayer funds, yet it continued to air. UFC CEO Dana White’s pro‑Trump stance and the network’s limited ability to block political ads have drawn criticism from fans, highlighting the contentious blend of sports and politics.
College football fans celebrate last weekend of political ad slop
College football fans breathe a sigh of relief as the weekend of November 2, 2026 marks the final round of political campaign ads flooding Saturday game broadcasts. The article notes that, despite a full slate of October matchups, the surge of negative ads from all 50 states has dominated the airwaves, prompting social‑media backlash and jokes about a “button” to block them. With the election weekend behind them, viewers can finally enjoy football without the invasive political commercials that also appeared during the 2024 cycle.
Todd McShay pitches potential Arch Manning transfer destination
Todd McShay suggests Arch Manning consider transferring from Texas to Kentucky, where former Oregon OC Will Stein now coaches. McShay argues the Texas‑Sarkisian pairing hasn't maximized Manning's talent and that Stein has a track record of boosting QBs like Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel. While Texas remains playoff‑eligible, Manning’s recent struggles and two losses to unranked teams have sparked transfer rumors. McShay believes a fresh start at Kentucky could restore Manning’s No. 1 draft stock, even if it risks his championship odds.
Listen to the biggest calls from Golden State Valkyries’ Game 7 win
The Golden State Valkyries clinch their first WNBA title in just their second season, edging the Atlanta Dream 68–63 in Game 7 of the Finals on November 1, 2026. Gabby Williams erupts in the second half, scoring 28 of her 30 points, including a decisive deep three with just over two minutes left. Her performance earns her Finals MVP honors and sparks a flood of social‑media praise. Announcer Kate Scott’s memorable calls highlight the tight, never‑double‑digit game, ending with confetti cannons and a championship celebration.
Sports media world absolutely baffled by Curt Cignetti’s timeout strategy
Indiana stunned Minnesota 16‑13 in a Halloween‑themed thriller, but the win sparked a media frenzy over Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti’s clock management. With the game tied 13‑13 and two timeouts remaining, Cignetti chose not to stop the clock after a third‑down stop, allowing Minnesota to nail a 60‑yard field goal and take the lead. He repeated the mistake on the ensuing drive, leaving Indiana only 19 seconds to answer. A last‑second 60‑yard field goal by Paddy McAteer forced overtime, where Indiana scored and held on for the upset. The bizarre timeout choices have left analysts questioning Cignetti’s decision‑making despite his recent championship success.
‘College GameDay’ staying in Indiana for Notre Dame-Miami in South Bend
ESPN’s College GameDay heads to South Bend next Saturday for the marquee No. 5 Notre Dame versus No. 1 Miami game, marking its 13th visit to the campus and first since 2024. The broadcast follows a back‑to‑back Indiana stint after the show’s stop in Bloomington. This will be the second GameDay before a Notre Dame‑Miami matchup—the first was in 2017, when Miami won 41‑8. The game, a rematch of the 2025 playoff‑impacting contest, airs on NBC and Peacock at 9 AM ET.
Pat McAfee picks Utah as his championship sleeper: ‘Don’t think anybody would have expected this’
After a tense week involving a viral Instagram mockery and death‑threat concerns, ESPN’s Pat McAfee flips the script on College GameDay, naming Utah the No. 6 “championship sleeper.” The Utes, unbeaten and hosting Houston in the Big 12 showdown, earned McAfee’s unexpected endorsement amid his apology‑like remarks. The incident highlights the fallout from his earlier on‑air jab at Utah students and the subsequent defenses from ESPN and the university, while fans note a calmer McAfee on this Saturday’s Bloomington broadcast.
Fox rules analyst Mike Pereira confounded by Big 12 officials over overturned BYU-ASU call
During BYU's 7-0 lead over Arizona State on Oct. 31, a fumble‑to‑touchdown play was first ruled dead for forward progress, then reversed by the Big 12 replay center, awarding BYU a touchdown. Fox analysts Connor Onion, RG3 and rules expert Mike Pereira could not explain the reversal, noting that the whistle had blown and the ball was dead. The incident adds to recent officiating controversies in the Big 12, including missed pass interference in the BYU‑Notre Dame game and a misapplied 10‑second runoff in UCF's overtime upset. Pereira calls the pattern of “making up rules” embarrassing for officials.
Andrew Marchand lays blame for Troy Aikman, Pat McAfee drama at feet of Burke Magnus
On October 30, 2026, Sports Media insider Andrew Marchand blames ESPN exec Burke Magnus for the network’s mishandling of Troy Aikman’s diminishing role and Pat McAfee’s costly $60 million‑plus alt‑cast, which drew only about 351,000 viewers. Marchand argues Magnus enables McAfee’s disruptive behavior despite low ratings, while Aikman’s future remains uncertain amid Super Bowl LXI preparations. Magnus defends McAfee, calling him an innovator whose antics are misread, and stresses the partnership’s value to younger audiences.
Paul Reed channels Dan Orlovsky in incredible interview
During an in‑game interview at the NBA Cup showdown on Oct. 31, 2026, Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed delivered a candid, viral moment that resembled Dan Orlovsky’s famously clueless NFL breakdowns. When asked about the game’s pace, Reed admitted he didn’t know the term but cheerfully claimed it favored the Pistons—an answer that preceded a 110‑94 comeback win over the Brooklyn Nets, erasing a seven‑point first‑quarter hole. Reed contributed 12 points and is riding a breakout 2026‑27 season, averaging 13.8 points per game, nearly double his career high. The interview’s humor and the Pistons’ decisive victory make it a must‑watch highlight.
Linda Cohn: ‘You can’t like and support Caitlin Clark without being called MAGA’
Former ESPN anchor Linda Cohn, now hosting her own podcast, says she’s repeatedly labeled a MAGA supporter simply for cheering WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham. On The Sage Steele Show, Cohn discussed backlash over her comments about A’ja Wilson’s World Cup withdrawal and defended Cunningham against false anti‑trans accusations, emphasizing a focus on Title IX. She also highlighted the politicized treatment of Clark, who denies any partisan ties, and noted the controversy surrounding Riley Gaines. Cohn warns critics that supporting these players doesn’t equate to a political agenda.
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