Right when you thought Pete Carroll's Bowl Season was over, ESPN has to go and hire him to be an analyst for the BCS Championship Game. Carroll will appear on a few Sports Centers, College Gameday and of course the coverage of the Texas-Alabama showdown at the Rose Bowl. Via ESPN....

USC head coach Pete Carroll, who led the Trojans to seven consecutive Pac-10 titles and two National Championships, will join ESPN to provide analysis about the Citi BCS National Championship on the network’s SportsCenter and College GameDay Built by The Home Depot Jan. 6-7.

Carroll will offer his insight on the pressure of playing in a National Championship Game and at the Rose Bowl, as well as coaching against Texas coach Mack Brown in the 2006 National Championship game. Carroll joined USC in 2001 and holds a 97-19 record (83.6%), second highest among active coaches with more than five years at the position.

Carroll will appear on the ESPN set at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on the evening editions of SportsCenter Wednesday, Jan. 6; a special one-hour College GameDay Thursday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m.; National Championship pre-game and halftime shows on ABC beginning at 8 p.m.; and for ESPN’s SportsCenter post-game coverage following the game.

I don't despise Carroll as much as some people, and his personality might work in adding something to the broadcast. We shall see.

Craig James is scheduled to call the Alamo Bowl on Saturday, but this time he'll be a part of the storyline. Craig James' son Adam plays for Texas Tech (who's playing in the Alamo Bowl against Michigan State), and recently suffered a concussion. Adam wanted to sit out a practice or two, but apparently Tech Coach Mike Leach did not taken kindly to that idea. He (allegedly) ordered a trainer to put Adam in an electrical closet, to which (surprisingly) Papa James did not take kindly to....

Sources told ESPN's Joe Schad that the Jameses felt Adam was treated inappropriately by Leach because he was unable to practice after a mild concussion. A source close to the James family told Schad that Leach directed a trainer to confine him to an equipment room for three hours and, days later, told a trainer to place James in an electrical closet. An attorney for Leach said that while James was secluded twice, the circumstances were not as portrayed by the James family.

"Mr. and Mrs. James took the step with great regret and after consideration and prayer to convey to the Texas Tech administration that their son had been subjected to actions and treatment not consistent with common sense rules for safety and health," the family said in a statement released on Monday.

Well then. Texas Tech has now suspended Leach for the Alamo Bowl and he could be facing even further action following an investigation. ESPN certainly protects their own, so I'd be worried if I were him.

Leach suspended after player complaint (ESPN)

Ah yes, what holiday season would be complete without a clip from Pam Ward to celebrate your New Year? Pammy thought she was throwing it to the studio for an update during the thrilling Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, but alas....she was still on live. Enjoy (from KSJ via Deadspin)!

The irony of all of this is that Ray Bentley went on a ten minute spiel about how professional was (when discussing females in Sports because of the female ref) earlier in the game. Too funny, and I a perfect video to end the decade with. Where would I be without you Pammy?

XOXO,
AA

You know I always say that if you're going to say something that a person or group would find offensive, it's best to not say it at all, but the uproar of the latest case of verbal diahhrea even has me rolling my eyes.

Paul Steigerwald is an announcer for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and today he's under fire for making a joke about the Hobey Baker Award (Best College Hockey Player). See Baker quit the game of hockey to serve his country in WWI, but tragically crashed and died during a postwar flight in 1918. Steigerwald's boothmate Bob Errey made a point of saying that former Hobey Baker Award winner Mike Mottau went down hard, to which Paul chimed in and said, "Not as hard as Hobey Baker went down, though. He went down in a plane crash." Here's your video....

Yeah it was a little much, and the fact that the joke was made 91 years to the day that Baker died didn't help, but let's give Steigerwald a pass on this one. Afterall, it's Christmas right?

Video: Penguins announcer finds comedy in aviation fatalities (Puck Daddy)

A correct use of a middle finger during a broadcast can be hilarious, but when it comes from a little kid, it's f'ing awesome! This little Villanova fan has a message for you this holiday season....

Man they start them young in Philly don't they? I love how the dad almost knocked the kid in the head, but then remembered he was on television too. Too funny.

Oh how quickly good news can change. A cheer was heard from Baseball fans around the globe two weeks ago when Chip Caray was dropped by TBS, but the cheers specifically coming from Atlanta will now be changing to groans. Chip Caray is heading back to Atlanta to call Braves games on FOX Sports South and Sport South. Via the Atlanta Journal Constitution....

Three weeks after parting ways with Turner Sports, Cary's been hired as Braves play-by-play man on Fox Sports South and SportSouth, a person familiar with the situation said Monday. An announcement was expected by the end of the day.

Caray, 44-year-old scion of a famous broadcasting family, will replace Jon Sciambi, who left after the season to accept a full-time job at ESPN.

Caray will work more than 100 games on Fox Sports South and SportSouth with veteran Braves analyst Joe Simpson -- more than twice as many Braves games as Caray worked last year for the Turner-owned Peachtree station.

Sorry Braves fans, but you're stuck with him. Maybe time back with his old team will help Caray gain an understanding of how to do his job again.

Chip Caray is back as Braves broadcaster (AJC)

Monday, December 21st

Cleveland Cavaliers at Phoenix Suns (NBATV, 9pm)- Local Announcers

Tuesday, December 22nd

Oklahoma City Thunder at LA Lakers (NBATV, 10:30pm)- Local Announcers

Wednesday, December 23rd

Houston Rockets at Atlanta Hawks (NBATV, 7pm)- Local Announcers

Friday, December 25th

Miami at New York (ESPN, Noon)- Dan Shulman, Doris Burke
Boston at Orlando (ABC, 2:30pm)- Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox
Cleveland at L.A. Lakers (ABC, 5pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Lisa Salters
L.A. Clippers at Phoenix (ABC, 8pm)- Dave Pasch, Jon Barry
Denver at Portland (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Kevin Calabro, Tim Legler

Saturday, December 26th

Washington Wizards at Minnesota Timberwolves (NBATV, 8pm)- Local Announcers

Sunday, December 27th

San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks (NBATV, 6pm)- Local Announcers

A week ago, Don Cherry was blamed by a random doctor in Toronto for violence in Hockey. Well on Saturday, Cherry finally spoke about that matter and of course he had a bit of a disagreement with his accuser, Dr. Tator....

As the clip said, Dr. Tator has been trying to apologize to Cherry for awhile now, but apparently Grapes wants no part of it. I think it's safe to say that Hockey has always been a violent Sport and to blame one person for recent incidents is a little bit ridiculous.

I've been rather easy on Dick Stockton all year long. I've ignored the player name mistakes, and I even decided against pulling the video of him calling the play clock "the shot clock" last week. But after today's play-by-play abortion, I just can't keep quiet anymore.

Not only did Stockton screw up just about everyone's name on both the Jets and Falcons, and call the Jets , the Eagles, about 10 times during the contest, but he spent the last four minutes of a 10-7 game saying the score was tied. He even got the call of the go ahead touchdown, with a minute remaining, wrong (I'm trying to grab the video and will update when I do so).

I know Dick Stockton has been a great announcer for most of his career, and some people still enjoy him, but this has just gotten ridiculous. He was terrible covering Baseball this past season, and he's been even worse calling NFL games this season. It's time to hang em up, Dick....you had a good run at it.

There was a play earlier in the season which ended in Devin Hester showing his posterior to the world, but that's nothing compared to this one. Raiders DT Tommy Kelly made a heck of a stop on Knowshon Moreno near the goal line, but was pants'ed in the process....

Ummm....yeah. I don't really have anything to add to that one.

Never Want To See This Again (Statue Left)

I don't know if you were watching the NBA pregame show on ESPN last night, but both Jamaal Mashburn and Avery Johnson handed out gifts to various NBA teams for a bit (The Spurs got anti-aging cream....SO CLEVER!). Well ESPN is doing the same thing for Baseball, but they're amping it up a little bit by bringing you Santa Kruk multiple times throughout next week.

Among the ingenious gifts that Kruk will giving teams during Sports Center segments included (but are not limited to):

Chicago Cubs gift – a goat catcher (akin to a dog catcher), since the goat is to blame for no World Series win since 1908
New York Mets – power tools; the Mets had the least homers in majors last season
Kansas City Royals – umbrella and lots of rain, so Zack Greinke can pitch every game
Pittsburgh Pirates – tickets to a Sister Sledge concert, to return to the glory days of "We Are Family"
Washington Nationals – eight clones of Ryan Zimmerman
Los Angeles Dodgers – cooking lessons with Giada, so she can teach them how to whip up a recipe to beat the Phillies
Houston Astros – a NASA rocket scientist, to figure out what's gone wrong

I haven't watched an episode of Around The Horn since I was doing those video clips for Deadspin, and even then it was begrudgingly. Well recently SI put together a Best of Sports Media for the decade, and not only did we receive an ridiculous (yet extremely appreciated) honorable mention for Sports Blog of the Decade, but they also took a light jab at ATH. Via Deadspin....

The topics are patently absurd (one involved Evander Holyfield boxing a horse for the WBA heavyweight belt), but on the whole it's no more bizarre-and a lot funnier-than, say, Around the Horn.

That seems one of the nicer things that people have said about that abortion of a show, but apparently that was enough to send Bill Plaschke over the deep end. Via Plaschke's Twitter....

-I saw where, in its annual media issue, a certain publication took another shot at Around the Horn. We love it. Just spell our names right.
-One of these days, your grandfather's media is going to realize that, when it comes to ATH, they are out of touch with today's consumers
-ATH thrives because the grass-roots sports fan — which is most of us — thinks sports should be fun, and what's wrong with that?
-While our critics have dwindled to a few, we embrace those who still think seven years of hundreds of thousands of daily viewers are wrong
-Our show wouldn't connect with today's sports fan if yesterday's sports media didn't still rip it. The rips remind us the show still works
-I'll end this by once again thanking our show's patron saint, a notable broadcaster who called us, ''Gasbags on parade.''
-I'm honored to be one of those gasbags, and thankful that so many people allow us to parade into their lives...
-(and if those last few tweets don't get me into the showdown Thursday, nothing will!!)

Ah yes....those gasbags on parade. I mean when someone as respected as Al Michaels calls you a "gasbag", I would think you would take notice. But on the other side of the coin....if it ain't broke don't fix it. I know a good handful of people that list ATH as one of their favorite shows, and 700K worth of viewers at 5pm isn't anything to shack a stick at.

Thanks as always to The506.com for the broadcast maps....

NFL Network Thursday Night Football: Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars (Bob Papa, Matt Millen)
NFL Network Saturday Night Football: Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints (Bob Papa, Matt Millen)
NBC Sunday Night Football: Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers (Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth)
ESPN Monday Night Football: NY Giants at Washington Redskins (Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden)

FOX 1pm:















RED: Atlanta Falcons @ NY Jets Vikings(FOX, 1pm)- Dick Stockton, Trent Green
BLUE: Arizona @ Detroit (FOX, 1pm)- Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan
GREEN: San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles (FOX, 1pm)- Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa
YELLOW: Chicago Bears @ Baltimore Ravens (FOX, 1pm)- Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick

FOX 4pm:















RED: Green Bay Packers @ Pittsburgh Steelers (FOX, 4pm)- Joe Buck, Troy Aikman
BLUE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Seattle Seahawks (FOX, 4pm)- Ron Pitts, John Lynch

CBS:















BLUE: New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills (CBS, 1pm)- Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf
GREEN: Miami Dolphins @ Tennessee Titans (CBS, 1pm)- Dick Enberg, Dan Fouts
ORANGE: Houston Texans @ St. Louis Rams (CBS, 1pm)- Kevin Harlan, Solomon Wilcots
PURPLE: Cleveland Browns @ Kansas City Chiefs (CBS, 1pm)- Ian Eagle, Rich Gannon

RED: Cincinnati Bengals @ San Diego Chargers (CBS, 4pm)- Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
YELLOW: Oakland @ Denver (CBS, 4pm)- Gus Johnson, Steve Tasker

In the ever growing practice of bringing in random singers and guests for games, ESPN has decided to bring in two more great stars to add to their Basketball coverage this holiday. Yes, Mariah Carey and Kermit The Frog will add their talent to two separate Basketball games this Holiday. Kermit will be talking to the audience about conservation during ESPN's "Green Game" (UM at Kansas, Dec. 19th), while Mariah will be your host for ESPN/ABC's set of Christmas Day games....

Mariah Carey, a five-time Grammy winner who has amassed 18 No. 1 singles during her career, has recorded a music video which will accompany ESPN’s NBA Christmas Day coverage. The music video features the holiday-themed “All I Want for Christmas is You,” which will air throughout the day on ESPN and ABC during NBA game and studio content.

As part of the “Green Game,” ESPN will utilize on-air graphics to provide information on environmental conservation, what it means to be eco-friendly and raise awareness of environmental responsibility within the sports community. Dave O’Brien will call the game with analyst Jay Bilas and reporter Holly Rowe. Special production elements that will be used during the telecast, and Kermit the Frog will introduce the “Green Game” telecast with an environmental message.

Aww that's cute. "All I Want For Christmas" is one of the Xmas songs that I don't absolutely hate, but after a day of it, I might have to add it to the list. Here are your announcers for the games if you want to check them out.

Green Game (December 19th):

Michigan at Kansas (ESPN, Noon)- Dave O’Brien, Jay Bilas, Holly Rowe

Christmas Day:

Miami at New York (ESPN, Noon)- Dan Shulman, Doris Burke
Boston at Orlando (ABC, 2:30pm)- Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox
Cleveland at L.A. Lakers (ABC, 5pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Lisa Salters
L.A. Clippers at Phoenix (ABC, 8pm)- Dave Pasch, Jon Barry
Denver at Portland (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Kevin Calabro, Tim Legler

I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to see someone who had violated me, in person, but that's just what Erin Andrews had to do yesterday. And according to a transcript that SbB pulled from TMZ, she admitted to "losing it" when seeing him....

“I wanted to go right in and get it over with. To see him (Barrett) face-to-face. The first couple minutes were very difficult. I lost it. My Dad was trying to help me keep it together. I looked at him a few times to see what his reaction was. Now that I’ve been thrust into this role, I want to the judge to see me and how emotional I was.

“I believe he should be classified as a sexual predator. I want him to stay in jail as long as possible. He’s a threat to all women. I dont want somone else’s career to be ruined like this. It wont come off the internet. Still to this day every time I check into a hotel room, I’m constantly looking around to see if he’s there. I wanted (today) to give the judge a sense of what he’s done.”

“People bring it up. They think it’s funny. I’m embarrassed and humiliated. I’m still scared to stay in hotels and my house.”

Andrews' lawyer went on to say that he and Erin are disappointed in the plea deal agreed upon for Barrett, and given the fact the Andrews was one of twelve (alleged) victims, I would have to agree. He is only going to be sentence on one count of stalking, will not have to register as a sex offender, and the maximum sentence it carries is 5 years. Hopefully EA can finally get closure, but I don't think justice has been served in this matter.

Erin Andrews Sees ‘Predator’ In Person: ‘I Lost It’ (Sports by Brooks)

I've tried my best to not give you any Tiger news that you haven't heard already (and that has me posting zero items on it), but I couldn't skip past this nugget from CBS analyst Ian Baker-Finch. In an interview he did with the Sidney Morning Herald, Finch basically said there has been a gag ordered by the "Eye"....

Former British Open champion and respected CBS golf commentator Ian Baker-Finch has been gagged by the US network from talking about Tiger Woods' dramatic fall from grace.

"Mate, if I say one word about Tiger I will get fired," Baker-Finch said before playing in Australia's richest one-day pro-am at Wynnum Golf Club today.

Well, I hate to say this to Ian and the folks at CBS, but if you don't talk about it this year, you're not going to have many viewers. I mean, you're not going to have many anyway, but you mind as well try for as many as you can if you ask me.

Baker-Finch gagged about commentating on Tiger (Sydney Morning Herald)

I don't want a lot for Christmas, but if you the reader want to give me one thing....make it this lovely Hallmark/ESPN ornament! Via the Boston Herald....

Who knew Santa had time during his busy night to bring us the top 10 video highlights from the world of sports?

With the SportsCenter theme just a button push away, Santa sits at the SportsCenter anchor desk with a script ready and coffee in an ESPN mug nearby in a new holiday ornament from Hallmark Keepsake. ($16.50) When the audio button at the base of the ornament is pressed, the show’s theme music plays and Santa says snippets of his sports report.

Score! The only thing that would make it better would be if Santa was actually Chris Berman and he was asking for some "Deux Deux Deuxs" for Christmas.

Santa the highlight of new ornaments from EPSN and Hallmark (Boston Herald)

Monday, December 14th

Georgia Tech @ Chattanooga (FS South, 7pm)- Bob Rathbun, Larry Conley (Will Air on FS Florida, SUN, CSN Washington)

Tuesday, December 15th

Gardner-Webb @ Duke (ESPN2, 7pm)- Mike Patrick, Len Elmore
Wyoming @ Tennessee (ESPNU, 7pm)- Carter Blackburn, Mark Gottfried
Georgia State @ Florida State (FS Florida, 7pm)- Tom Block, Bob Wenzel (Will Air on NESN)
Northern Illinois @ Minnesota (BTN, 8pm)- Wayne Larrivee, Tim Doyle
Texas-Pan American @ Texas (FS Southwest, 8pm)- TBD
New Mexico State @ UCLA (Prime Ticket, 10:30pm)- TBD

Wednesday, December 16th

Wright State @ Mississippi State (ESPN2, 7pm)- Carter Blackburn, Hubert Davis
Wake Forest @ UNC-Wilmington (ESPNU, 7pm)- Sam Gore, Nate Ross
Cincinnati @ Alabama-Birmingham (CBS College Sports, 7pm)- TBD
Presbyterian @ Ohio State (BTN, 7pm)- TBD
Clemson @ East Carolina (CSS, 7pm)- TBD
Richmond @ South Carolina (SportSouth, 7pm)- TBD
Central Florida @ South Florida (Big East Network, 7pm)- TBD
Oral Roberts @ Louisville (Big East Network, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on MASN, SNY)
Alabama State @ Arkansas (ARSN, 8pm)- TBD
Arkansas-Little Rock @ South Alabama (ESPN2, 9pm)- Ryan Burr, Mark Gottfried
North Florida @ Northwestern (ESPNU, 9pm)- Lou Canellis, Mike Kelley
Cal-Poly @ Wisconsin (BTN, 9pm)- TBD
Oklahoma State @ Stanford (FSN, 11pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit, Florida, Houston, Midwest, North, Ohio, South, Southwest, West; FSN Northwest, Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain; CSN Bay Area, Chicago, New England, Philadelphia; MSG+; FCS Pacific)

Thursday, December 17th

Auburn @ Florida State (FS Florida, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on NESN)
Florida International @ Denver (FSN Rocky Mountain, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Central)

Saturday, December 19th

Michigan @ Kansas (ESPN, Noon)- Dave O'Brien, Jay Bilas
IPFW @ Michigan State (BTN, Noon)- TBD
Howard @ Loyola-MD (MASN, 1pm)- TBD
Northern Colorado @ Oklahoma (Sooner Sports, 1pm)- TBD
UCLA @ Notre Dame (CBS, 2pm)- TBD
North Carolina @ Texas (ESPN, 2pm)- Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale
Xavier @ Butler (ESPN2, 2pm)- Brent Musburger, Bob Knight
Stanford @ Northwestern (BTN, 2pm)- TBD
Fordham v. Villanova (YES, 2pm)- Ryan Ruocco, Jim Spanarkel
Lipscomb @ Cincinnati (FS Ohio, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on SNY)
Rice @ Louisiana State (CST, 2pm)- TBD
Mississippi State @ Houston (CSS, 2pm)- TBD
West Virginia @ Cleveland State (Big East Network, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude, MASN)
Northern Iowa @ North Dakota (FSSN, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Central)
Gonzaga v. Duke (CBS, 4pm)- Verne Lundquist, Clark Kellogg
Western Kentucky @ Louisville (ESPN2, 4pm)- Dave Pasch, Len Elmore
Delaware State @ Ohio State (ESPNU, 4pm)- Jim Barbar, Mark Adams
Ball State v. Purdue (BTN, 4pm)- TBD
Austin Peay @ Kentucky (CSS, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on CST, CSN Washington, Comcast Network)
Miami v. Florida Atlantic (SUN, 4pm)- TBD
Stephen F. Austin @ Arkansas (ARSN, 4pm)- TBD
Tennessee @ USC (FSN, 4:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit, Florida, Midwest, North, Ohio, South, Southwest, West; FSN Northwest, Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain; CSN Bay Area, Chicago, Washington; MSG+; FCS Pacific)
Memphis v. Massachusetts (ESPN2, 6pm)- Jon Sciambi, Doug Gottlieb
Illinois State @ Utah (MTN, 6pm)- TBD
Drake @ Iowa (BTN, 6:30pm)- TBD
Richmond v. Florida (SUN, 6:30pm)- TBD
San Diego State @ Arizona State (FS Arizona, 6:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Pacific)
Alabama-Birmingham v. South Alabama (CSS, 6:30pm)- TBD
Illinois v. Georgia (ESPNU, 7pm)- Eric Collins, Mark Gottfried
Old Dominion @ Georgetown (Big East Network, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on MASN, SNY)
South Carolina @ Wofford (SportSouth, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Atlantic)
UNC-Wilmington @ Virginia (CSN Washington, 7pm)- TBD
St. Bonaventure @ Syracuse (Time Warner-NY, 7pm)- TBD
Washington State v. Portland State (SWX, 7:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FSN Northwest)
Arkanas-Pine Bluff @ Missouri (Mizzou Sports, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Midwest)
Texas Tech @ Wichita State (Cox-Kansas, 8pm)- TBD
North Carolina Central @ Indiana (BTN, 8:30pm)- TBD, Greg Anthony
Gardner-Webb @ Penn State (ESPNU, 9pm)- Dan McLaughlin, Tim Welsh
Creighton @ New Mexico (MTN, 9pm)- TBD
Kansas State v. Alabama (CSS, 9pm)- TBD
Portland @ Washington (FSN Northwest, 10pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Atlantic)
Oakland @ Oregon (OSN, 10pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSN Northwest)

Sunday, December 20th

Cornell v. Davidson (MSG, Noon)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Atlantic)
Central Florida @ Connecticut (Big East Network, 1pm)- TBD (Will Air on MASN, SNY)
Sam Houston State @ Auburn (CSS, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on CST, CSN Philadelphia, Washington)
Bradley @ Iowa State (Mediacom-Iowa, 2pm)- TBD
Hofstra @ St. John's (MSG, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Atlantic)
Texas-Arlington @ Baylor (FS Southwest, 3pm)- TBD
Florida State @ Georgia Tech (FSN, 5:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit, Florida, Midwest, North, South, Southwest, West; FSN Northwest, Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain; CSN Bay Area, Chicago, Washington; MSG+; NESN; FCS Atlantic)
North Carolina State @ Wake Forest (FSN, 7:45pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit, Florida, Midwest, North, South, Southwest, West; FSN Northwest, Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain; CSN Bay Area, Chicago, Washington; MSG+; NESN; FCS Atlantic)

(The CBB schedule comes out on either Monday or Tuesday and will update throughout the week as game notes become available)

Ever since starting this site back in 2006, I've shared with you the goodies that each player gets for being in a bowl game. You'd think that college students wouldn't be able to receive that much, but for certain Bowl Games....you make out pretty good. Here is the list from Sox and Dawgs via SBD....

New Mexico Bowl (Fresno State vs Wyoming):
Sony gift suite, Oakley beanie, Oakley Antix sunglasses, Ogio wheeled garment bag, Oakley Surf Pack backpack

St. Petersburg Bowl (UCF vs Rutgers):
iLuv iPod/DVD player, Oakley Holeshot 3-Hand watch, Oakley Eyepatch sunglasses, Oakley Surf Pack backpack

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (Southern Miss vs Middle Tennessee):
Pure Digital Flip mini-camcorder, Balfour ring, Oakley Antix sunglasses, Oakley Panel Packbackpack

MAACO Las Vegas Bowl (Oregon State vs BYU):
Sony gift suite, Fossil watch, New Era cap, Ogio Fugitive laptop pack

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl (Utah vs California):
Flo TV television, 1-year of service; Best Buy gift card, Tourneau watch, Sports Tek hooded sweatshirt, cap

Sheraton Hawaii (SMU vs Nevada):
Kahala Aloha shirt

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl (Marshall vs Ohio):
Sony gift suite, Timely Watch Co. watch, Football

Meineke Car Care Bowl (Pittsburgh vs North Carolina):
Choice of Bose gift packages or iPod touch, speakers and $20 gift card, Fossil watch, Ogio duffle bag, Commemorative Richard Petty Driving Experience photo

Emerald Bowl (Boston College vs USC):
Fossil watch

Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl (Kentucky vs Clemson):
RCA HD camcorder, Fossil watch, Majestic fleece pullover, New Era hat, Ogio Metro laptop pack

AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl (Texas A&M vs Georgia)
Sony gift suite, Timely Watch Co. watch, New Era hat, Football

EagleBank Bowl (Army or UCLA vs Temple):
Slingbox SOLO with Slinglink Turbo 1 Port, Powermat charging station ,Visions Marketing Hat, Football, Kanata tailgate blanket

Champs Sports Bowl (Miami, FL vs Wisconsin):
Party at Best Buy($420 limit), Timely Watch Co. watch

Roadys Humanitarian Bowl (Bowling Green vs Idaho):
Sony gift suite, Garmin GPS, Parka, Nike pullover, gloves, hand warmers, skull cap Ogio Fugitive laptop pack Football

Pacific Life Holiday Bowl (Arizona vs Nebraska):
Flo TV personal television (includes one-year of service), Best Buy gift card, Tourneau watch, Sports Tek hooded sweatshirt, cap

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl (Houston vs Air Force):
Sony gift suite, Timely Watch Co. watch, Camouflaged knit cap, Ogio Metro laptop pack, luggage tag, Football, calendar

Brut Sun Bowl (Oklahoma vs Stanford):
Sony gift suite, Timely Watch Co. watch, Majestic fleece pullover, VP Sports cap, Ogio Politan laptop pack,Brut hair dryer; coin

Texas Bowl (Navy vs Missouri):
$300 Best Buy gift card, Fossil watch, Under Armour shirt and hat; Bowl T-shirt, Under Armour backpack, Belt buckle

Insight Bowl (Minnesota vs Iowa State):
Sony gift suite, Fossil watch, Hat, Ogio Bounty Hunter or Hermit laptop pack

Chick-fil-A Bowl (Virginia Tech vs Tennessee):
$250 Best Buy gift card, Fossil watch, Russell Athletic knit cap, Russell Athletic travel bag, Football, Chick-fil-A gift card

Outback Bowl (Northwestern vs Auburn):
Best Buy gift card, Pro-Swiss watch, Jostens ring Hat, Outback Steakhouse gift card

Capital One Bowl (Penn State vs LSU):
Party at Best Buy($420 limit), Timely Watch Co. watch

Konica Minolta Gator Bowl (West Virginia vs Florida State):
Fossil watch, Oakley Antix sunglasses

Rose Bowl presented by Citi (Ohio State vs Oregon):
19″ Sharp television combo, Fossil watch, New Era 59Fifty fitted hat, Ogio Fugitive laptop pack, Plaque

Allstate Sugar Bowl (Florida vs Cincinnati):
Sony, Apple, Trek, Garmin and Weber gift suite, Timely Watch Co. watch, New Era cap, Ogio Politan laptop pack, Lane recliner

International Bowl (South Florida vs Northern Illinois):
Electronics package, Timely Watch Co. watch, Football

Papajohns.com Bowl (UConn vs South Carolina):
RCA HD mini-camcorder, Pro Swiss Watch, Oakley Surf Pack backpack, Football

AT&T Cotton Bowl (Oklahoma State vs Ole Miss):
Would Not Disclose

AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Arkansas vs East Carolina):
Westinghouse 19 LCD HDTV/computer monitor, Fossil watch, Nike training shoes, Nike sport sandals, Nike sunglasses, Football

Valero Alamo Bowl (Michigan State vs Texas Tech):
32-gig iPod Touch, Dr. Dre Monster Beats headphones, Fossil watch, Oakley Antix sunglasses, Shutt mini-helmet, panoramic photo

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (Boise State vs TCU):
Sony gift suite, Fossil watch, Tourneau watch Hat, Ogio Hermit checkpoint friendly laptop pack

FedEx Orange Bowl (Iowa vs Georgia Tech):
Sony gift suite, Tourneau watch, New Era cap, Ogio Politan laptop pack

GMAC Bowl (Central Michigan vs Troy):
RCA HD mini-camcorder, Timely Watch Co. watch, Cap, Garment bag with dop kit, Football

Citi BCS National Championship (Texas vs Alabama):
Sony gift suite with Trek and Garmin, Fossil watch, New Era 59Fifty hat, Ogio Politan laptop pack

The Birdman sees you when you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows if you've been bad or good. So be good for goodness sake!

Monday, December 14th

New Orleans Hornets at Dallas Mavericks (NBATV, 8:30pm)- Local Announcers

Tuesday, December 15th

New Jersey Nets at Cleveland Cavaliers (NBATV, 7pm)- Local Announcers

Wednesday, December 16th

Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder (ESPN, 8pm)- Dan Shulman, Hubie Brown
Washington Wizards at Sacramento Kings (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Kevin Calabro, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy

Thursday, December 17th

Orlando Magic at Miami Heat (TNT, 8pm)- Kevin Harlan, Doug Collins, Kevin McHale, Cheryl Miller
Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers (TNT, 10:30pm)- Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager

Friday, December 18th

Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers (ESPN, 8pm)- Dave Pasch, Hubie Brown
Washington Wizards at Golden State Warriors (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Kevin Calabro, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy

Saturday, December 19th

Portland Trail Blazers at Orlando Magic (NBATV, 7pm)- Local Announcers

Sunday, December 20th

Cleveland Cavaliers at Dallas Mavericks (NBATV, 7:30pm)- Local Announcers

ESPN's NBA Hiring Department has nabbed another former player/coach, and this time he's even a former employee of the network. Recently fired Hornets' Coach Byron Scott will be back with the network this January. Via ESPN PR....

Former NBA star and head coach Byron Scott has joined ESPN as an NBA studio analyst and will start his new role in January. Scott previously served as an ESPN analyst during the 2003-04 season.

“Byron has excelled in every professional endeavor and we know his success will carry over to his on-air role,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president, production. “We welcome him back. His experience and passion for the game will resonate with our fans.”

“I look forward to being able to contribute my insights and perspective on the game I love,” said Scott. “ESPN has an abundance of terrific talent and I’m glad to be back in broadcasting with the premier sports network.”

Experts around the world have been taking time out of their busy schedule (see: Congress/BCS) to do random reports on Sports, but the latest out of Canada, just might be the best we've seen. At a recent seminar a Toronto neurosurgeon finally said what we've all been thinking. That HNIC's Don Cherry is to blame for violence in Hockey. Via CBC News....

"He's a negative influence," Dr. Charles Tator told CBC News in reference to Cherry, a popular personality on Hockey Night in Canada. "The aggressive, lack-of-respect hockey that he preaches — we need to get that out of the game."

Tator, an expert on brain injuries, said hockey culture needs to change and Cherry could influence that.

"If he took a strong stand against no hits to the head, it would help," Tator said. He noted that years ago, Cherry added his voice to a move to reduce serious neck injuries in hockey by stiffening rules about hitting from behind.

Tator's view on Cherry was not shared by everyone at the day-long conference, including a former NHL player who left the game in the 1990s due to head injuries.

"Its a very provocative statement," Jason Smith, now an orthopedic surgeon in Toronto, told CBC News in response to Tator's opinion that Cherry contributes to the injury problem.

CBC Hockey Night in Canada's Don Cherry during a news conference Nov. 24.CBC Hockey Night in Canada's Don Cherry during a news conference Nov. 24. (Darren Calabrese/CP)"I feel that Don Cherry cares about people, ultimately," Smith said. "So to call him a problem — I don't know. I think it's more in the [hockey] culture. He's a product of that culture ... a little more of a rock 'em, sock 'em type."

Interesting, I guess. I mean people have connected hard hitting action on the field/ice, to violence off of it for years. I guess it's time we started blaming individuals.

MD blames Don Cherry for hockey violence (CBC News)

Thanks as always to The506.com for the broadcast maps....

NFL Network Thursday Night Football: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns (Bob Papa, Matt Millen)
NBC Sunday Night Football: Philadelphia Eagles at NY Giants (Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth)
ESPN Monday Night Football: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers (Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden)

CBS 1pm:















RED: Cincinnati Bengals @ Minnesota Vikings(CBS, 1pm)- Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf
BLUE: Denver Broncos @ Indianapolis Colts (CBS, 1pm)- Dick Enberg, Dan Fouts
GREEN: Miami Dolphins @ Jacksonville Jauars (CBS, 1pm)- Kevin Harlan, Solomon Wilcots
ORANGE: NY Jets @ Tampa Bay Bucs (CBS, 1pm)- Ian Eagle, Rich Gannon
YELLOW: Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs (CBS, 1pm)- Bill Macatee, Steve Beuerlein

CBS 4pm:















RED: San Diego Chargers @ Dallas Cowboys (CBS, 4pm)- Jim Nantz, Phil Simms

FOX:















RED: New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons (FOX, 1pm)- Joe Buck, Troy Aikman
BLUE: Carolina Panthers @ New England Patriots (FOX, 4pm)- Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa
GREEN: Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears (FOX, 4pm)- Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick
ORANGE: Detroit Lions @ Baltimore Ravens (FOX, 1pm)- Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan
PURPLE: Seattle Seahawks @ Houston Texans (FOX, 1pm)- Ron Pitts, John Lynch

YELLOW: Washington Redskins @ Oakland Raiders (FOX, 4pm)- Dick Stockton, Charles Davis
LIGHT BLUE: St. Louis Rams @ Tennessee Titans (FOX, 4pm)- Chris Rose, Trent Green

I think it's safe to say that last year's promo featuring Harry Caray singing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" can't be topped, but this year's commercial for the Winter Classic has me pretty amped.

"I'm Shipping Up To Boston" just never gets old and the Winter Classic is the best idea since night Baseball.

Every six months or so, these Randy Moller videos turn up on Youtube and in turn make me extremely happy for the rest of the day. 790 The Ticket has put together another collection of the Panthers' play-by-play man's greatest hits, so grab some popcorn and enjoy!

My top three:

3. "Mike Bibby be floppin'."
2. "Homey Don't Play That."
1. "Beyonce had one of the greatest music videos of all time!"

At about 3pm, the news came down that Peter Gammons was leaving ESPN. At about 6pm, the rumors that he was joining the MLB Network started surfacing. And 30 minutes ago, came word from MLB-N that he is in fact making the switch. Here's the release....

MLB Network and MLB Advanced Media today announced that Hall of Fame baseball writer Peter Gammons has joined MLB Network and MLB.com as an on-air and online analyst. As part of a multi-year deal, Gammons will offer analysis and commentary on MLB Network for breaking news and special events like the Trade Deadline, First-Year Player Draft, Winter Meetings and Postseason. Gammons will also serve as a signature and regularly featured writer for MLB.com’s new columnist initiative, writing commentary on breaking news and posting several articles online each week.

“After 40 years covering baseball, the opportunity to move on to MLB Network is a great and daunting opportunity,” said Gammons. “My journalistic life has revolved around baseball, and to be involved with people whose network is devoted to baseball, and baseball only, is something I look forward to with excitement. We all wish pitchers and catchers reported tomorrow. One of the greatest things about baseball is that it is held to a higher standard than any other sport, which holds those of us who care about it to a higher standard. I hope I can contribute to that standard.”

“For generations, baseball has been the writers’ sport, from John Updike to Roger Angell to Tom Boswell,” said Gammons. “To be afforded the opportunity by MLB.com to write about breaking news, inside information, issues, players, people, history and the perspective of the game’s place in society from Jackie Robinson to our current generation of socially-conscious players like Torii Hunter, Carlos Pena, and C.C. Sabathia is a forum that makes this next chapter of my journalistic life exciting and rewarding.”

Gammons will be appearing on Hot Stove to start out, but you can expect him on just about every single offering MLB-N has to offer. For someone who loves Baseball as much as Gammons does, the network choice is an obvious move. However, you have to wonder what it took to wrestle him away from the "Leader". If you asked me at the start of this blog, who are the two people ESPN couldn't lose from their Baseball roster it would be Gammons and Harold Reynolds. Both are now with the budding MLB Network.

Update: Brooks from SbB also has received word that Gammons could be part-timing with NESN soon.

Update #2: And here is your official NESN press release....

NESN, New England’s most watched sports network, announced today that Hall of Fame baseball writer and longtime ESPN and Boston Globe baseball analyst/reporter Peter Gammons has entered into a multi-year agreement to join NESN as a regular studio analyst, reporter and online contributor.

“I’m a New Englander who wanted to be Jackie Jensen,” said Peter Gammons. “I started out at the Boston Globe and wrote about Jerry Remy when he was at Somerset High School. I was lucky enough to be there for the Munson-Fisk fight in 1973 and The Sixth Game and the ’78 playoff, and when my local cable company wouldn’t put NESN on our system I signed the override petitions.”

Tuesday, December 8th

Cleveland Cavaliers at Memphis Grizzlies (NBATV, 8pm)- Local Announcers

Wednesday, December 9th

Chicago Bulls at Atlanta Hawks (ESPN, 7pm)- Mark Jones, Mark Jackson, Jon Barry

Thursday, December 10th

Boston Celtics at Washington Wizards (TNT, 8pm)- Marv Albert, Mike Fratello, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
Orlando Magic at Utah Jazz (TNT, 10:30pm)- Kevin Harlan, Doug Collins, Craig Sager

Friday, December 11th

Portland Trail Blazers at Cleveland Cavaliers (ESPN, 8pm)- Dan Shulman, Hubie Brown
Orlando Magic at Phoenix Suns (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy

Saturday, December 12th

Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls (NBATV, 8pm)- Local Announcers

Sunday, December 13th

San Antonio Spurs at LA Clippers (NBATV, 9:30pm)- Local Announcers

Wow. This comes as a complete shock, but hot off the presses comes word that Peter Gammons is done at ESPN and plans to persue "other endeavors". (UPDATE: Apparently those endeavors are with the MLB Network.) Here are Gammons' comments via ESPN PR....

“My decision to leave ESPN and move on at this point in my life has been conflicted. I owe a great deal of my professional life to ESPN, having spent more than half of my 40 years in journalism working for the network, and the choice to move on was made with nothing but the strongest feelings for the people with whom I worked. ESPN gave me a great deal more than I gave it, and will always be a huge part of who I am.

“I will forever be joined at the hip with John Walsh, who hired me as an ink-stained wretch, plunked me on TV and has always been a guiding spirit. Understand how the people who run ESPN treat people: when I was felled by a severe aneurysm in 2006, George Bodenheimer, John Skipper, Norby Williamson, my former Boston Globe boss Vince Doria and everyone made certain that my family and I had the best care and support, far, far beyond any reasonable expectation. My ESPN life has been lined with foxhole people whom I’ll never forget.

“I’ve been able to work with my closest and oldest friends, like Jayson Stark, Tim Kurkjian, Buster Olney, Peter Pascarelli, Jerry Crasnick and Charlie Moynihan. I spent three seasons doing games with a producer, Tom Archer, who is among the most revered leaders I’ve ever met. I told everyone last October that the team baseball coordinating producer Jay Levy put together with Mark Preisler and Marc Carman was the most creative in my 20 years on the show. I apologize to hundreds of people I owe for all these years for not mentioning their names.

“You would have had to be there for 20 years to know how hard so many good people sweated in anonymity to make all of us look as if we knew what we were doing.

“My friend Tom Rush – who taught James Taylor and me our first guitar chords – once wrote how strange it seems to walk away alone. With no regrets.”

What a sad, sad day for ESPN and Baseball. Obviously I wish Gammons all the success in the future, but Baseball Tonight and Baseball as a whole won't be the same without him. In his honor, I urge you to watch the greatest Peter Gamomons video ever made....

Tuesday, December 8th

Maryland-Baltimore County @ Penn State (BTN, 6:30pm)- Gus Johnson, Jon Crispin
Butler v. Georgetown (ESPN, 7pm)- Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale, Doris Burke
Morgan State @ Minnesota (ESPNU, 7pm)- Clay Matvick, Dickey Simpkins
Quinnipiac @ Rhode Island (NESN, 7pm)- Bill Schweizer, Bill Mecca
Dayton @ George Mason (WHIO, 7pm)- Mike Hartsock, Derrick Dukes
Texas Tech @ Texas Christian (MTN, 7:30pm)- James Bates, Blaine Fowler
Wisconsin-Milwaukee @ Marquette (Big East Network, 8pm)- Dennis Krause, Jim McIlvane (Will Air on Altitude, MASN (JIP), SNY)
Evansville @ Western Kentucky (WKYU, 8pm)- Randy Lee, Hal Schmitt (Will Air on FCS Central)
Vanderbilt @ Illinois (BTN, 8:30pm)- Wayne Larrivee, Doug Altenberger
Indiana v. Pittsburgh (ESPN, 9pm)- Dan Shulman, Jay Bilas, Doris Burke
Xavier @ Kansas State (ESPNU, 9pm)- Dave Armstrong, Jon Sundvold
Arizona State @ Brigham Young (MTN, 10pm)- Bill Riley, Dave Bollwinkel

Wednesday, December 9th

Georgia v. St. John's (ESPN2, 7pm)- Dan Shulman, Bob Knight, Doris Burke
Valparaiso @ Purdue (BTN, 7pm)- Wayne Larrivee, Bob Ford
Duquesne @ West Virginia (Big East Network, 7pm)- Rob King, Bob Wenzel (Will Air on Altitude, MASN, FSN Pittsburgh)
Radford @ Kansas (ESPNU, 8pm)- Carter Blackburn, LaPhonso Ellis
Missouri @ Oral Roberts (Mizzou Sports, 8pm)- Chris Gervino, Scott Highmark
Centenary @ Oklahoma (Sooner Sports, 8pm)- TBD
Villanova @ St. Joseph's (ESPN2, 9pm)- Dave Pasch, Bill Raftery
Michigan @ Utah (CBS College Sports, 9pm)- Dave Ryan, Greg Anthony
Augustana @ Gonzaga (KHQ, 9pm)- Greg Heister, Craig Ehlo (Will Air on FSN Northwest)
Kentucky v. Connecticut (ESPN, 9:30pm)- Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale, Doris Burke
Louisiana Tech @ Arizona (FS Arizona, 11pm)- TBD
Idaho @ Washington State (FSN Northwest, 11pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Pacific)

Thursday, December 10th

DePaul v. Mississippi State (ESPN2, 6:30pm)- Brad Nessler, Jimmy Dykes, Jeannine Edwards
Oakland @ Michigan State (BTN, 7pm)- TBD
Chicago State @ Nebraska (FS Midwest, 8pm)- TBD
Miami-OH @ Cincinnati (ESPN2, 8:30pm)- Bob Wischusen, Doug Gottlieb
Syracuse v. Florida (ESPN, 9pm)- Brad Nessler, Jimmy Dykes, Jeannine Edwards
Colorado @ Colorado State (MTN, 9:30pm)- TBD

Friday, December 11th

Old Dominion @ Dayton (CSN Washington, 7pm)- TBD
Tennessee v. Middle Tennessee (CSS, 7pm)- TBD
Iowa @ Iowa State (Cyclones TV, 8pm)- TBD
Vanderbilt v. Western Kentucky (CSS, 9pm)- TBD

Saturday, December 12th

Kentucky @ Indiana (CBS, Noon)- TBD
Ohio State @ Butler (ESPN, Noon)- Sean McDonough, Jay Bilas
LaSalle v. Kansas (ESPN, 2pm)- Ron Franklin, Fran Fraschilla
Georgetown v. Washington (FSN, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit, Florida, Houston, Midwest, North, Ohio, South, Southwest, PrimeTicket; FSN Northwest, Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain; CSN Bay Area, Chicago, New England, Washington; Comcast Network; MSG+; FCS Pacific)
Kent State @ Pittsburgh (ESPNU, 2pm)- Lou Canellis, Bob Wenzel
Florida Atlantic @ Louisiana-Lafayette (Sun Belt TV, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSS, CST)
Oklahoma @ Utah (Versus, 4pm)- TBD
St. Joseph's @ Minnesota (BTN, 4pm)- TBD
Texas State @ Texas (FS Southwest, 4pm)- TBD
St. Mary's @ Oregon (OSN, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSN Northwest)
Western Carolina @ Louisville (Big East Network, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on MASN, SNY)
Mississippi State v. UCLA (FSN, 4:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit, Florida, Midwest, North, Oklahoma, Ohio, South, PrimeTicket; FSN Northwest, Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain; CSN Bay Area, Chicago, Washington+; Comcast Network; MSG+; FCS Pacific)
Eastern Kentucky @ Maryland (CSN Washington, 4:30pm)- TBD
Marquette @ Wisconsin (ESPN2, 5pm)- Dave O'Brien, Steve Lavin
Bethune-Cookman @ Central Florida (CSS, 5pm)- TBD
New Mexico @ Texas A&M (FS Southwest, 6pm)- TBD
Virginia Tech @ Penn State (ESPN2, 7pm)- Jon Sciambi, Doug Gottlieb
Kansas State v. 17 Nevada-Las Vegas (FS Kansas City, 7pm)- TBD
Davidson v. Gonzaga (SWX, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on FSN Northwest)
Coppin State @ West Virginia (Big East Network, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on MASN, SNY)
Farleigh Dickinson @ Missouri (Mizzou Sports, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Midwest)
Oregon State @ Nebraska (FS Midwest, 8pm)- TBD
Purdue @ Alabama (ESPN2, 9pm)- Carter Blackburn, Jimmy Dykes
Arizona @ San Diego State (MTN, 10pm)- TBD

Sunday, December 13th

Detroit Mercy @ Michigan (BTN, Noon)- TBD
Quinnipiac @ Vermont (NESN, Noon)- TBD
St. Francis (NY) @ Syracuse (Time Warner-NY, 1pm)- TBD (Will Air on SNY)
Western Michigan @ Illinois (BTN, 2:30pm)- TBD
Villanova @ Temple (CBS College Sports, 3pm)- TBD
Wisconsin-Green Bay @ Oakland (FS Detroit, 4:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Atlantic)
Rhode Island @ Boston College (FSN, 6:45pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit, Florida, Houston, Midwest, North, South, Southwest, West; FSN Northwest, Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain; CSN Chicago, Washington+; NESN, MSG+; FCS Atlantic)
Cincinnati @ Xavier (ESPNU, 7pm)- Jim Barbar, Fran Fraschilla
UC-Davis @ Stanford (CSN Bay Area, 10pm)- TBD

(The CBB schedule comes out on either Monday or Tuesday and will update throughout the week as game notes become available)

Bryant Gumbel was filling in for Regis on Regis and Kelly today, and he dropped a bomb on the viewing audience. Gumbel announced that he has been receiving treatment for Lung Cancer. Via People....

The sportscaster and TV host, 61, said that he had surgery last month to remove a malignant tumor in his chest, a revelation prompted when Kelly Ripa asked Gumbel, subbing for Regis Philbin, to dance – and he begged off. According to Gumbel, part of his lung was removed, and he will be seeing his surgeon next week.

“We had told a few people, we told my family, obviously. I even kept it from my staff at Real Sports. So I’m okay for the time being. I’m hoping they greenlight me to play golf again.”- Bryant Gumbel

While I find it a bit odd that he decided to announce it on an ABC show that his filling in on, he does seem to be in good spirits about the whole thing. I obviously can't imagine what it would be like to hear that type of news, but I can guarantee I wouldn't be as cool with it as Gumbel. Good luck in beating it, Bryant.

Bryant Gumbel Has Lung Cancer (People)

Saturday, December 19th

New Mexico Bowl: Fresno State v. Wyoming (ESPN, 4:30pm)- Terry Gannon, David Norrie
St. Petersburg Bowl: Central Florida v. Rutgers (ESPN, 8pm)- Mark Jones, Bob Davie, Rob Stone

Sunday, December 20th

New Orleans Bowl: Southern Mississippi v. Middle Tennessee (ESPN, 8:15pm)- Dave Lamont, J.C. Pearson

Tuesday, December 22nd

MAACO Bowl: Oregon State v. Brigham Young (ESPN, 8pm)- Rece Davis, Lou Holtz, Mark May, Todd Harris

Wednesday, December 23rd

Poinsettia Bowl: California v. Utah (ESPN, 8pm)- Mike Patrick, Craig James, Heather Cox

Thursday, December 24th
Hawaii Bowl: Nevada v. Southern Methodist (ESPN, 8pm)- Terry Gannon, David Norrie

Saturday, December 26th

Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl: Marshall v. Ohio (ESPN, 1pm)- Pam Ward, Ray Bentley
Meineke Car Care Bowl: North Carolina v. Pittsburgh (ESPN, 4:30pm)- Bob Wischusen, Bob Griese, Chris Spielman, Quint Kessenich
Emerald Bowl: USC v. Boston College (ESPN, 8pm)- Joe Tessitore, Rod Gilmore, Todd Harris

Sunday, December 27th

Music City Bowl: Kentucky v. Clemson (ESPN, 8:15pm)- Sean McDonough, Matt Millen & Holly Rowe

Monday, December 28th

Independence Bowl: Texas A&M v. Georgia (ESPN2, 5pm)- Ron Franklin, Ed Cunningham, Jeannine Edwards

Tuesday, December 29th

EagleBank Bowl: Temple v. Army or UCLA (ESPN, 4:30pm)- Bob Wischusen, Brian Griese, Rob Stone
Champs Sports Bowl: Wisconsin v. Miami (ESPN, 8pm)- Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe

Wednesday, December 30th

Humanitarian Bowl: Bowling Green v. Idaho (ESPN, 4:30PM)- Eric Collins, Brock Huard, Heather Cox
Holiday Bowl: Arizona v. Nebraska (ESPN, 8pm)- Chris Fowler, Craig James, Jesse Palmer, Erin Andrews

Thursday, December 31st

Armed Forces Bowl: Houston v. Air Force (ESPN, Noon)- Dave Lamont, J.C. Pearson, Cara Capuano
Sun Bowl: Stanford v. Oklahoma (CBS, 2pm)- Craig Bolerjack, Steve Beurelein, Sam Ryan
Texas Bowl: Missouri v. Navy (ESPN, 3:30pm)- Mark Jones, Bob Davie, Quint Kessenich
Insight Bowl: Iowa State v. Minnesota (NFL Network, 6pm)- Paul Burmeister, Mike Mayock, Stacey Dales
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Virginia Tech v. Tennessee (ESPN, 7:30pm)- Sean McDonough, Matt Millen, Holly Rowe

Friday, January 1st

Outback Bowl: Northwestern v. Auburn (ESPN, 11am)- Dave Pasch, Bob Griese, Chris Spielman, Rob Stone
Capital One Bowl: Louisiana State v. Penn State (ABC, 1pm)- Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge, Erin Andrews
Gator Bowl: Florida State v. West Virginia (CBS, 1pm)- TBD
Rose Bowl: Ohio State v. Oregon (ABC, 5pm)- Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit
Sugar Bowl: Florida v. Cincinnati (FOX, 8pm)- Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick

Saturday, January 2nd

International Bowl: Northern Illinois v. South Florida (ESPN2, Noon)- Mike Gleason, John Congemi, David Amber
Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma State v. Mississippi (FOX, 2pm)- Pat Summerall, TBD
Papajohns.com Bowl: South Carolna v. Connecticut (ESPN, 2pm)- Dave Neal, Andre Ware, Cara Capuano
Liberty Bowl: Arkansas v. East Carolina (ESPN, 5:30pm)- Ron Franklin, Ed Cunningham, Jeannine Edwards
Alamo Bowl: Michigan State v. Texas Tech (ESPN, 9pm)- Mike Patrick, Craig James, Heather Cox

Monday, January 4th

Fiesta Bowl: Boise State v. Texas Christian (FOX, 8pm)- Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan

Tuesday, January 5th

Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech v. Iowa (FOX, 8pm)- Dick Stockton, Charles Davis

Wednesday, January 6th

GMAC Bowl: Central Michigan v. Troy (ESPN, 7pm)- Joe Tessitore, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich

Thursday, January 7th

BCS National Championship: Alabama v. Texas (ABC, 8pm)- Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit

I don't know how often this happens in broadcasting, but Dick Enberg just stole someone's job. The Padres organization has decided to replace current play by play announcer Mark Neely with the legendary Dick Enberg. Via the SD Tribune....

“I’ve made this decision, basically, because I love the game,” he said yesterday at a Petco Park news conference. “And here’s an opportunity at this stage of my career that I didn’t think was possible. … What better opportunity for any announcer, or anyone who loves the game, than to be able to work in his own hometown.”

Enberg, who called games for the California Angels from 1969-78 and again in 1985, has lived in San Diego “half my adult life” and said he’s been a Padres fan all that time. Even though he hasn’t been working games, he said he’s been watching and following the sport, and while it’s easy to wonder (as I have) whether his absence will hurt, he doesn’t see it that way.

“I think that’s going to be the fun of it all,” he said. “The joy here is going to be I’ve got all this time to be able to prepare. … That’s going to be actually not a negative, but a positive, that I do have to come back up to speed.”

Enberg also addressed the thought that his mistake count has increased in recent years.

“Some people are saying, ’Well, wait a minute, Enberg’s gotten old, he’s got some age on him.’ I still think that I’ve got my fastball,” he said. “I may not locate it as well as I used to, but I think the experiences that I’ve had as a broadcaster will more than compensate for that. … I’m not going to embarrass anyone.”

I guess all you have to do is ask. I feel bad for Mark Neely, but whatever gets people to watch Padres games....absolutely has to be done.

Enberg is ready to talk baseball (SD Tribune)