Temperatures are warming up, the day is longer, and that can only mean one thing. That the Madness is upon us! Here is your announcing assignments, and schedule for the first round. Enjoy the tournament, and be sure to check back here for videos from time to time.

New Orleans, LA: Dick Enberg, Jay Bilas
Providence, RI: Verne Lundquist, Bill Raftery
Oklahoma City, OK: Kevin Harlan, Dan Bonner
San Jose, CA: Spero Dedes, Bob Wenzel
Jacksonville, FL: Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg
Buffalo, NY: Gus Johnson, Len Elmore
Milwaukee, WI: Ian Eagle, Jim Spanarkel
Spokane, WA: Tim Brando, Mike Gminski

Tuesday, March 16th

Arkansas-Pine Bluff v. Winthrop (ESPN, 7:30pm)- Dave O'Brien, Steve Lavin

Thursday, March 18th

7 Brigham Young v. 10 Florida (12:20pm)- Kevin Harlan, Dan Bonner
3 Baylor v. 14 Sam Houston State (12:25pm)- Dick Enberg, Jay Bilas
2 Villanova v. 15 Robert Morris (12:30pm)- Verne Lundquist, Bill Raftery
4 Vanderbilt v. 13 Murray State (2:30pm)- Spero Dedes, Bob Wenzel
2 Kansas State v. 15 North Texas (2:50pm)- Kevin Harlan, Dan Bonner
6 Notre Dame v. 11 Old Dominion (2:55pm)- Dick Enberg, Jay Bilas
7 Richmond v. 10 St. Mary's (3pm)- Verne Lundquist, Bill Raftery
5 Butler v. 12 UTEP (4:55pm)- Spero Dedes, Bob Wenzel
8 UNLV v. 9 Northern Iowa (7:10pm)- Kevin Harlan, Dan Bonner
1 Kentucky v. 16 East Tennessee State (7:15pm)- Dick Enberg, Jay Bilas
6 Marquette v. 11 Washington (7:20pm)- Spero Dedes, Bob Wenzel
3 Georgetown v. 14 Ohio (7:25pm)- Verne Lundquist, Bill Raftery
1 Kansas v. 16 Lehigh (9:40pm)- Kevin Harlan, Dan Bonner
8 Texas v. 9 Wake Forest (9:45pm)- Dick Enberg, Jay Bilas
3 New Mexico v. 14 Montana (9:50pm)- Spero Dedes, Bob Wenzel
6 Tennessee v. 11 San Diego State (9:55pm)- Verne Lundquist, Bill Raftery

Friday, March 19th

2 West Virginia v. 15 Morgan State (12:15pm)- Gus Johnson, Len Elmore
6 Xavier v. 11 Minnesota (12:25pm)- Ian Eagle, Jim Spanarkel
5 Temple v. 12 Cornell (12:30pm)- Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg
4 Purdue v. 13 Siena (2:30pm)- Tim Brando, Mike Gminski
7 Clemson v. 10 Missouri (2:45pm)- Gus Johnson, Len Elmore
3 Pittsburgh v. 14 Oakland (2:55pm)- Ian Eagle, Jim Spanarkel
4 Wisconsin v. 13 Wofford (3pm)- Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg
5 Texas A&M v. 12 Utah State (4:55pm)- Tim Brando, Mike Gminski
8 Gonzaga v. 9 Florida State (7:10pm)- Gus Johnson, Len Elmore
7 Oklahoma State v. 10 Georgia Tech (7:15pm)- Ian Eagle, Jim Spanarkel
5 Michigan State v. 12 New Mexico State (7:20pm)- Tim Brando, Mike Gminski
1 Duke v. 16 UAPB-WIN winner (7:25pm)- Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg
1 Syracuse v. 16 Vermont (9:40pm)- Gus Johnson, Len Elmore
2 Ohio State v. 15 UC-Santa Barbara (9:45pm)- Ian Eagle, Jim Spanarkel
4 Maryland v. 13 Houston (9:50pm)- Tim Brando, Mike Gminski
8 California v. 9 Louisville (9:55pm)- Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg

Saturday, March 20th

UK-ETSU winner v. TEX-WAKE winner- Dick Enberg, Jay Bilas (New Orleans, LA)
BAY-SHSU winner v. ND-ODU winner- Dick Enberg, Jay Bilas (New Orleans, LA)
GTOWN-OHIO winner v. TENN-SDSU winner- Verne Lundquist, Bill Raftery (Providence, RI)
VILL-RMU winner v. RICH-SMC winner- Verne Lundquist, Bill Raftery (Providence, RI)
KAN-LEH winner v. UNLV-UNI winner- Kevin Harlan, Dan Bonner (Oklahoma City, OK)
KAN ST-UNT winner v. BYU-FLA winner- Kevin Harlan, Dan Bonner (Oklahoma City, OK)
UNM-MONT winner v. MARQ-WASH winner- Spero Dedes, Bob Wenzel (San Jose, CA)
VAN-MURR winner v. BUT-UTEP winner- Spero Dedes, Bob Wenzel (San Jose, CA)

Sunday, March 21st

WISC-WOFF winner v. BUT-CORN winner- Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg (Jacksonville, FL)
DUKE-Play In winner v. CAL-LOU winner- Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg (Jacksonville, FL)
WVU-MORG ST winner v. CLEM-MIZZ winner- Gus Johnson, Len Elmore (Buffalo, NY)
SYR-UVM winner v. GONZ-FLA ST winner- Gus Johnson, Len Elmore (Buffalo, NY)
OHIO ST-UCSB winner v. OKST-GT winner- Ian Eagle, Jim Spanarkel (Milwaukee, WI)
PITT-OAK winner v. XAV-MINN winner- Ian Eagle, Jim Spanarkel (Milwaukee, WI)
MD-HOU winner v. MICH ST-NMSU winner- Tim Brando, Mike Gminski (Spokane, WA)
PUR-SIE winner v. TAMU-USU winner- Tim Brando, Mike Gminski (Spokane, WA)

Chris Johnson is undoubtedly very fast, but when describing his prowess in that department, you probably shouldn't call it "get away from the cops speed". That's what Gus Johnson said during the Titans romp over the Jags yesterday, and it brings up a lot of questions. First the video....

"First down and ten. Johnson ... gets his shoulders square! Watch out! He's got gettin' away from the cops speed. Touchdown."- Gus Johnson

I know that this is just another attempt at making a clever comment, that went wrong, but an ESPN commenter just got suspended for a similar line of thinking recently. What would happen if Jim Nantz blurted that line out instead of Gujo?

Exciting calls like these are made on the fly, but every announcer should seriously just stick to the gameplan and not try to be so clever.

Press Coverage (The Sporting Blog)

If the news of Gus Johnson and Bill Raftery as announcers of the new NCAA Basketball game wasn't enough, this video will completely sell you on the game. CBS has allowed EA to integrate their entire graphics package into the game. Here's the video with bonus Gujo and Raftery interview....

Now that just looks awesome. I think EA has completely sold me on NCAA 2010 now. Bravo gentlemen....bravo.

I haven't bought a Basketball video game in years. The replay value is terrible, and for some reason, I'm absolutely terrible at them (it's probably more the latter). Well EA has gone and peaked my interest in NCAA 2010, by doing something that CBS should have done years ago. They've paired Gus Johnson and Bill Raftery for the call of the games....

The "HA HA!" at the end just gave me goosebumps. Bravo EA, I hope I am now able to play defense in the game, so I don't try to resell it back to Game Stop!

(For more on this, and the announcement of Raftery joining Johnson, head to Hot Clicks)

I think people were split about whether they enjoyed the Gus Johnson call of Brandon Stokley's TD on Sunday, but the announcer himself went on the Dan Patrick Show today to defend his excitement. Via Sports Radio Interviews....

“I thought I was gonna have a heart attack. It was the most incredible thing. I’ve seen a lot of great things in sports. I started doing this in 1990, but I’ve never seen anything; not like in that in football. I mean wow.

Sometimes it’s kinda hard. Some people don’t like that, but in a moment like that, I can’t help but to let go. It’s a job, but c’mon we really don’t have jobs.”- Gus Johnson

Obviously the reason, I like Gus Johnson is because of that emotion, but he does have a tendency to blow things out of proportion. I mean, sure it was a great play, but a week one game between two teams that aren't making the Playoffs? I dunno.

Gus Johnson: “I’ve Never Seen Anything Like That Before In Football” (Sports Radio Interviews)

I've always been the first person to defend the boisterous Gus Johnson, but yesterdays call of the Bengals epic fail, was by far the most over-the-top reaction I've ever heard. As Brandon Stokley was running down the sidelines with under :20 left on the clock, Johnson almost had a coronary....

Wow. I guess Football is officially back, and apparently Dan Fouts was born in nineteen dickity two. Super Bowl V? Really, Dan???

(HT D4L)

The female MMA Match of the Century went down over the weekend on Showtime, and Gus Johnson was on-hand for the play-by-play. Not only did he have his usual repertoire of excitable phrases, but he was actually at a loss for words when the fight ended at the buzzer of the first round....

I don't think I've ever seen an exciting game or match, where Johnson didn't freak out at the end. That was such a good fight, that I was expecting him to freak out when it was stopped. There was however a ton of confusion, and you have to praise him and the other guys in the booth, for waiting to get the call right.

Cyborg Stops Carano In Round One (With Leather)

Wanted to make sure you knew the tip times and announcers for tomorrow. Here's your schedule....

Saturday, March 28th

Michigan State vs. Louisville (2:20pm)- Gus Johnson, Len Elmore
Oklahoma vs. North Carolina (7:05pm)- Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg

Only one low seed has made it through to the Sweet Sixteen (Arizona....sorry about that whole you shouldn't be in the Tournament thing), but that doesn't mean the games won't be good. The matchups are stellar, and here's a list of who will be calling the games in the four different regions....

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Connecticut vs. Purdue (Glendale, 7pm)- Dick Enberg, Jay Bilas
Pittsburgh vs. Xavier (Boston, 7:30pm)- Verne Lundquist, Bill Raftery
Memphis vs. Missouri (Glendale, 9:30pm)- Dick Enberg, Jay Bilas
Duke vs. Villanova (Boston, 9:30pm)- Verne Lundquist, Bill Raftery

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

Louisville vs. Arizona (Indianapolis, 7pm)- Gus Johnson, Len Elmore
Oklahoma vs. Syracuse (Memphis, 7:30pm)- Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg
Kansas vs. Michigan State (Indianapolis, 9:30pm)- Gus Johnson, Len Elmore
North Carolina vs. Gonzaga (Memphis, 10pm)- Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg

I don't think I could ever see Gus Johnson getting mad at anyone, but maybe all of those MMA fights he covered recently have made him a little testy. According to a police report, found by Deadspin, the March Madness staple got into it with a Restaurateur in Memphis before calling the opening round action in Minneapolis, and was even handcuffed and detained by an officer. Here's the tale of the tap via the Memphis Commercial Appeal....

According to the report, officers were called at 2 a.m. Saturday to the bar at 138 Beale, where Reed told them Johnson refused to leave after complaining about the service.

While officers questioned the two men, a disturbance in another part of the restaurant distracted them.

They then heard a "loud crash" and returned to find Johnson and Reed grappling on the floor.

Police detained Johnson when he refused to let go of Reed as the officers tried to break up the scrum.

Reed told them Johnson had pushed him and that he'd grabbed the play-by-play man when he thought Johnson was about to deliver a punch. A waitress, Milly Dalbey, 35, told police Johnson had indeed pushed Reed.

Johnson, however, said he'd been pushed first.

Officers didn't arrest anybody, the report states, because they didn't see what started the tussle.

Well that's certainly not a story CBS wanted to have out there at the start of the Tournament. It's obviously a few days old, and neither man was charged, but it would interesting to hear someone's account of the scuffle, who was at the cafe.

Police Report: Gus Johnson Fought With Restaurant Manager (Deadspin)
CBS announcer Gus Johnson was in scuffle at Blues City Cafe (Commercial Appeal)

Obviously the biggest change for this year's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on CBS, is the fact that Billy Packer will not be involved in the Madness. Because of that move, Clark Kellogg is taking over his seat next to Jim Nantz, and Greg Anthony will be filling Kellogg's role in-studio. Other than that, nothing has changed since last season. Here are your pairings, and while their locations haven't quite been sorted out, you can plan on the top four teams being your Sweet Sixteeners....

Jim Nantz/Clark Kellogg
Dick Enberg/Carter Blackburn/Jay Bilas
Verne Lundquist/Bill Raftery
Gus Johnson/Len Elmore
Kevin Harlan/Dan Bonner
Ian Eagle/Jim Spanarkel
Craig Bolerjack/Bob Wenzel
Tim Brando/Mike Gminski

(Reporters: Lesley Visser, Tracy Wolfson and Sam Ryan)

Again, I've never really had a problem with the pairings that CBS comes up with, and after last season the only team I would have dropped would have been Brando and Gminski. Should be another fun month of March, my friends!

I know that announcers like getting as much work in as possible, but Gus Johnson is taking it to a whole new level. On the heels of his foray into the world of MMA for CBS, GuJo has been hired by Showtime Boxing to work the cable network's monthly "Showtime Championship Boxing". Via John Ourand at SBD....

Showtime has hired Gus Johnson as the lead announcer on its "Showtime Championship Boxing" series. Johnson will continue to work as an announcer on CBS' college basketball and NFL games, as well as Big Ten Network basketball games. Johnson will work with Al Bernstein on the monthly series, and he will make his debut February 7 for the Vic Darchinyan-Jorge Arce fight. He replaces Steve Albert, who is staying with the series in a reduced role. Albert, who has announced boxing on Showtime since '87, will call bouts when Johnson is unavailable.

Gus Johnson is obviously a polarizing announcer, but as a fan of his, it's great to see he's finally getting the respect he deserves from other networks. Maybe the one he's on full time (*ahem* CBS!) will take notice and bump him up another spot for this year's Tourney and the 2009 NFL season.

Gus Johnson To Call Showtime's Boxing (Sports Business Daily - $)

Feast Week is here, and not only do we get a ton of great tournaments throughout the next seven days, and a few games called by new HOFer Dick Vitale(!), but we also get our first look at Gus Johnson on the BTN tonight! He'll be on the call of the Bowling Green-OSU game with Jim Jackson. Even though OSU is favored by over 12 points, with GuJo on the call you can expect a battle. Here is your schedule and as always, thanks to the work that The 506 puts in on these. Sorry for the holes in spots, but there's just no way to come up with announcers from FS Ohio and Altitude for every game. If you have something or someone to share, please add it or them in the comments....

Monday, November 24th

Maui Invitational: St. Joseph's v. Texas (ESPN2, 3pm)- Sean McDonough, Bill Raftery, Jay Bilas, Jimmy Dykes
Maui Invitational: Indiana v. Notre Dame (ESPN2, 5pm)- Sean McDonough, Bill Raftery, Jay Bilas, Jimmy Dykes
Paradise Jam: Miami v. San Diego (FSN, 6pm)- Dan McLaughlin, Larry Conley (Will Air on FS Detroit+, Florida, Midwest, North, Northwest, Ohio, Prime Ticket, Rocky Mountain, South, CSN Bay Area, Mid-Atlantic, New England, FCS Pacific)
Longwood @ Kentucky (Big Blue Sports, 7pm)- Dave Baker, Kyle Macy, Rob Bromley (Will Air on FS South)
CBE Classic: Syracuse v. Florida (ESPN2, 7:30)- Dan Shulman, Bob Knight, Doris Burke
Bowling Green @ Ohio State (BTN, 8pm)- Gus Johnson, Jim Jackson
Paradise Jam Championship Game: Connecticut v. Wisconsin (FSN, 8:30pm)- Dan McLaughlin, Larry Conley (Will Air on FS Detroit+, Florida, Midwest, North, Northwest, Ohio, Prime Ticket, Rocky Mountain, South, CSN Bay Area, Chicago, Mid-Atlantic, New England, FCS Pacific)
Nevada-Las Vegas @ Texas-El Paso (CBS College Sports, 9pm)- Carter Blackburn, Greg Anthony
CBE Classic: Washington v. Kansas (ESPN2, 9:30pm)- Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale, Doris Burke
Maui Invitational: North Carolina v. Chaminade (ESPNU, 9:30)- Sean McDonough, Bill Raftery, Jay Bilas, Jimmy Dykes
Maui Invitational: Oregon v. Alabama (ESPN2, 11:59pm)- Sean McDonough, Bill Raftery, Jay Bilas, Jimmy Dykes

Tuesday, November 25th

Maui Invitational: ST JOE/TEXAS loser v. IND/ND loser (ESPNU, 1:30pm)- Dave Barnett, Jimmy Dykes
Maui Invitational: CHAM/UNC loser v. ORE/ALA loser (ESPN2, 4pm)- Dave Barnett, Jimmy Dykes
Maui Invitational: STJOE/TEXAS winner v. IND/ND winner (ESPN, 7pm)- Sean McDonough, Bill Raftery, Jay Bilas, Jimmy Dykes
Gardner-Webb @ South Carolina (SportSouth, 7pm)- TBD
Mount St. Mary's @ George Mason (MASN, 7pm)- TBD
CBE Classic: SYR/FLA loser v. WASH/KANSAS loser (ESPNU, 7:45pm)- Dan Shulman, Bob Knight, Doris Burke
Texas Southern @ Marquette (Big East Network, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude, MASN, TWC Sports 32)
Oakland @ Kansas State (FS Kansas City, 8pm)- TBD
Saint Louis @ Nebraska (FS Midwest, 8pm)- TBD
Boston @ Northeastern (NESN, 8pm)- TBD
Norfolk State @ Michigan (BTN, 8:30pm)- Michael Reghi, Tim McCormick
Maui Invitational: CHAM/UNC winner v. ORE/ALA winner (ESPN, 9pm)- Sean McDonough, Bill Raftery, Jay Bilas, Jimmy Dykes
CBE Classic Championship Game: SYR/FLA winner v. WASH/KANSAS winner (ESPN2, 10pm)- Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale, Doris Burke

Wednesday, November 26th

Maui Invitational: 5th Place Game (ESPN2, 2pm)- Dave Barnett, Jimmy Dykes
Maui Invitational: 3rd Place Game (ESPN2, 4pm)- Dave Barnett, Jimmy Dykes
Preseason NIT: Boston College v. Purdue (ESPN2, 7pm)- Dave O'Brien, Steve Lavin, Allen Hopkins
Maui Invitational: 7th Place Game (ESPNU, 7pm)- Dave Barnett, Jimmy Dykes
Maine @ Quinnipiac (NESN, 7pm)- TBD
Eastern Washington @ Minnesota (BTN, 8:30pm)- Wayne Larrivee, Trent Tucker
Southern Methodist @ Texas Christian (MTN, 8:30pm)- TBD
Preseason NIT: Alabama-Birmingham v. Oklahoma (ESPN2, 9pm)- Dave O'Brien, Steve Lavin, Allen Hopkins
Northern Colorado @ Denver (FS Rocky Mountain, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Central)
Maui Invitational: Championship Game (ESPN, 10pm)- Sean McDonough, Bill Raftery, Jay Bilas, Jimmy Dykes

Thursday, November 27th

Old Spice Classic: Tennessee v. Siena (ESPN2, Noon)- Bob Wischusen, Len Elmore, Andy Katz
Old Spice Classic: Wichita State v. Georgetown (ESPN2, 2pm)- Bob Wischusen, Len Elmore, Andy Katz
76 Classic: St. Mary's v. Texas El-Paso (ESPNU, 2pm)- Steve Physioc, Bob Wenzel
76 Classic: Wake Forest v. Cal State-Fullerton (ESPN2, 4:30pm)- Scott Graham, Bob Wenzel
Old Spice Classic: Maryland v. Michigan State (ESPN2, 7pm)- Jon Sciambi, Fran Fraschilla, Andy Katz
Old Spice Classic: Oklahoma State v. Gonzaga (ESPN2, 9pm)- Jon Sciambi, Fran Fraschilla, Andy Katz
76 Classic: Arizona State v. Charlotte (ESPNU, 9pm)- Steve Physioc, Stephen Bardo
Great Alaska Shootout: Louisiana Tech v. Seattle (FS Northwest, 10pm)- TBD
76 Classic: Providence v. Baylor (ESPN2, 11:30pm)- Scott Graham, Stephen Bardo

Friday, November 28th

Old Spice Classic: TENN/SIENA loser v. WICH ST/GTOWN loser (ESPNU, 10:30pm)- Bob Wischusen, Len Elmore, Andy Katz
Old Spice Classic: TENN/SIENA winner v. WICH ST/GTOWN winner (ESPN, 1pm)- Bob Wischusen, Len Elmore, Andy Katz
Preseason NIT: BC/PURDUE loser v. UAB/OKLA loser (ESPN2, 1:30pm)- Dave O'Brien, Steve Lavin, Allen Hopkins
Duquesne @ Duke (ESPN, 3pm)- Bob Picozzi, Jimmy Dykes
Preseason NIT Championship Game: BC/PURDUE winner v. UAB/OKLA winner (ESPN2, 3:30pm)- Dave O'Brien, Steve Lavin, Allen Hopkins
76 Classic: ST MARY/UTEP loser v. WAKE/CSFUL loser (ESPNU, 3:30pm)- Steve Physioc, Bob Wenzel
Old Spice Classic: MD/MICH ST winner v. OKST/GONZ winner (ESPN, 5:30pm)- Jon Sciambi, Fran Fraschilla, Andy Katz
76 Classic: ARIZ ST/CHAR loser v. PROV/BAYLOR loser (ESPNU, 5:30pm)- Steve Physioc, Bob Wenzel
Legends Classic: Mississippi State v. Washington State (HDNet, 5:30pm)- TBD
South Padre Island Invitational: Kent State v. Illinois (FCS Atlantic, 6pm)- TBD
Legends Classic: Pittsburgh v. Texas Tech (HDNet, 8pm)- TBD
South Padre Island Invitational: Tulsa v. Texas A&M (FCS Atlantic, 8:30pm)- TBD
Chicago Invitational: Northern Iowa v. Marquette (Big East Network, 8:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on TWC Sports 32)
Old Spice Classic: MD/MICH ST loser v. OKST/GONZ loser (ESPNU, 8pm)- Jon Sciambi, Fran Fraschilla, Andy Katz
Las Vegas Invitational: West Virginia v. Iowa (Big East Network, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on SNY, MASN)
76 Classic: ST MARY/UTEP winner v. WAKE/CSFUL winner (ESPNU, 10pm)- Scott Graham, Stephen Bardo
Las Vegas Invitational: Kansas State v. Kentucky (ESPNU, 11:59pm)- Jim Barbar, Larry Conley

Saturday, November 29th
76 Classic: ARIZ ST/CHAR winner v. PROV/BAYLOR winner (ESPN2, 12:30am)- Scott Graham, Stephen Bardo
Samford @ Ohio State (BTN, Noon)- Tom Hamilton, Tony White
Bryant @ Connecticut (Big East Network, 1pm)- TBD (Will Air on WCTX)
North Dakota State @ Minnesota (BTN, 2pm)- Dean Linke, Spencer Tollackson
Pacific @ Washington (FS Northwest, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Pacific)
Miami (OH) @ Xavier (FS Ohio, 4:30pm)- TBD
Legends Classic: MISS ST/WASH loser v. PITT/TX TECH loser (HDNet, 5:30pm)- TBD
Denver @ Wyoming (MTN, 6pm)- TBD
Florida International @ UCLA (FS Prime Ticket, 7:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Pacific)
Legends Classic Championship Game: MISS ST/WASH ST winner v. PITT/TX TECH winner (HDNet, 8pm)- TBD
Chicago Invitational: Dayton v. Marquette (Big East Network)- TBD (Will Air on SNY, TWC Sports 32, WHIO)
Creighton @ Nebraska (FS Midwest, 8pm)- TBD
Cancun Challenge: Drake v. Vanderbilt (CBS College Sports, 8:30pm)- TBD
South Padre Island Invitiational: KENT ST/ILL loser v. TULSA/TX A&M loser (FCS Atlantic, 8:30pm)- TBD
Las Vegas Invitational Championship Game: KAN ST/UK winner v. WVU/IOWA winner (ESPN2, 10:30pm)- Dave O'Brien, Steve Lavin
Colorado @ Stanford (FSN, 10:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Florida, Midwest, South, CSN Bay Area, Chicago, Mid-Atlantic, New England, MSG+, FCS Pacific)
Cancun Challenge: Virginia Commonwealth v. New Mexico (CBS College Sports, 11pm)- TBD
South Padre Island Invitiational Championship Game: KENT ST/ILL winner v. TULSA/TX A&M winner (FCS Atlantic)- TBD

Sunday, November 30th

Old Spice Classic: 7th Place Game (ESPNU, 10:30am)- Rich Waltz, Len Elmore
Old Spice Classic: 5th Place Game (ESPNU, 12:30pm)- Rich Waltz, Len Elmore
UMKC @ Florida (SUN, 1pm)- TBD (Will Air on SportSouth)
76 Classic: 7th Place Game (ESPNU, 3pm)- Steve Physioc, Bob Wenzel
Rice @ Texas (FS Southwest, 3pm)- TBD
Cornell @ Indiana (BTN, 4pm)- Mark Neely, John Laskowski
Northern Arizona @ Arizona (FS Arizona, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Pacific)
Oral Roberts @ Missouri (Mizzou Sports, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Midwest)
76 Classic: 5th Place Game (ESPNU, 5pm)- Steve Physioc, Bob Wenzel
Old Spice Classic: 3rd Place Game (ESPN2, 5:30pm)- Jon Sciambi, Fran Fraschilla
Cancun Challenge: Central Florida v. Morehead State (CBS College Sports, 6pm)- TBD
UNC-Asheville @ North Carolina (FSN, 6:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Florida, Midwest, South, CSN Bay Area, Mid Atlantic, NESN, MSG+, FCS Atlantic)
Old Spice Classic: Championship Game (ESPN, 7:30pm)- Jon Sciambi, Fran Fraschilla, Len Elmore
76 Classic: 3rd Place Game (ESPNU, 8pm)- Scott Graham, Stephen Bardo
Cancun Challenge: DRAKE/VANDY loser v. VCU/N MEX loser (CBS College Sports, 8pm)- TBD
76 Classic: Championship Game (ESPN2, 10:30pm)- Scott Graham, Stephen Bardo
Cancun Challenge Championship Game: DRAKE/VANDY winner v. VCU/N MEX winner (CBS College Sports, 10:30pm)- TBD

It's been a long time since Gus Johnson had something to get excited about in regards to the Knicks. While my Wizards were busy losing to the f'ing Nets on their opening night, the Knicks were busy running and dunking over the Heat. In the second quarter, Gus lets out a huge "Hell Yes!" after a put-back dunk from Wilson Chandler, and the good folks at Tirico Suave decided to remix it for us....

Amazing. Obviously it's drawn out a bit long, but if you're following along with the photos and the beat....it's pretty well done. In fact, it is now my new ringtone. Hell Yes!

Gus Johnson Has Been Holding This In For Seven Years (Tirico Suave)

Great catch by Steph over at Fanhouse today. Conan O'Brien happened to notice that Texans receiver David Anderson used his signature "String Dance" following the score. While that only is hilarious, it's the commentary from Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker that the late night show host focuses on the most. Pay attention around the one minute mark....

Hilarious. I can't imagine that Gus Johnson hasn't watched Conan before, but he obviously didn't recognize the brilliance of the TD celebration. Hopefully this can lead to GuJo actually going on Conan, and even more people can be subjected to his brilliance.

Conan O'Brian Instructs Texans WR David Anderson on the String Dance (Fanhouse)

Gus Johnson obviously felt that he needed to fill that 12th open job spot, that was left open after Elite XC folded last week. The ever-busy Johnson has been hired by the Big Ten Network to work College Basketball broadcasts this season. Not only that, but the network is also bringing back two of the conference's more famous alums. Kendall Gill (Illinois) will be working in studio and former Atlanta Hawks' announcer Steve Smith (Michigan State) will be an analyst for games....

CHICAGO – Nationally renowned play-by-play man Gus Johnson will join the Big Ten Network for men’s basketball telecasts this season, network executives announced today, along with former Big Ten stars Kendall Gill of Illinois and Steve Smith of Michigan State.

“We couldn’t be more excited about having such a talented lineup for our studio and game coverage. These play-by-play announcers and analysts have a great understanding of the history and tradition of the Big Ten and many of these individuals themselves are a part of that legacy,” said Leon Schweir, Big Ten Network Executive Producer and Vice President for Production.

Johnson will be joined on many Big Ten Network broadcasts by Smith, the former Michigan State All-American, NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist. Smith was selected in the first round of the 1991 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat. He enjoyed a 14-year NBA career before starting a career in broadcasting. Smith has served as an analyst on Atlanta Hawks television broadcasts.

I'm not sure that this hire will make people "demand" the BTN now, but it certainly doesn't hurt. And not that he needs it (because the guy is a machine), but it will also allow Gus to get some CBB work in before the Tournament. The Big Ten keeps trying to tap into the younger audience, and one of these days, they might actually pull it off. Here's how their lineup will look come this winter....

Studio Team: Dave Revsine, Gene Keady, Jim Jackson, Tim Doyle and Gill
Play-by-Players: Wayne Larrivee, Gus Johnson, Craig Coshun, Tom Hamilton, Mark Neely and Revsine
Analysts: Steve Smith, Greg Kelser, Tim McCormick, Trent Tucker, Shon Morris and Spencer Tollackson

(Via BTN PR)

Yeah I know that headline was a cheap shot, and I couldn't pass it up, but it couldn't be more true. Surprisingly, Elite XC is closing shop after just a few short months in the MMA game and they're not even messing around with another few events. They're done. Completely shut down. As in, they're officially out of business. Via SI....

Less than two years following the formation of ProElite, Inc., the group notified employees and fighters Monday it was shutting its doors effective immediately, multiple sources confirmed to SI.com.

ProElite was an entertainment and media company founded in partnership with Showtime Networks and spearheaded by the mixed martial arts promotional brand EliteXC.

Representatives for ProElite, EliteXC and Showtime did not return calls for comment.

Through its partnership with Showtime and later CBS, which in 2008 agreed to broadcast four live EliteXC events in primetime, EliteXC gained a tremendous amount of visibility. The company, however, hemorrhaged tens of millions of dollars during its 22 months in operation.

Well that was quick wasn't it? I guess that's what happens when you put all of your eggs in the basket of internet sensation, and I'm sure Dana White has already broken out the champagne. Good thing Gus Johnson shored up that Knicks radio deal because I don't know what he'd do with just one Sport to call.

ProElite, EliteXC out of business (SI)

I still love Gus, but this whole Elite XC thing just ain't working for CBS. The ratings were about the same for Kimbo's second trip into the ring for the network, but now that their star has a loss under his belt (and to a back up fighter), it's going to just go downhill from here.

Here's a clip of the TKO of Slice by Seth Petruzelli and just listen to Gus lose his mind on the call. The fight gets underway at the 4:55 mark...

"The most incredible victory in the history of mixed martial arts!!!!"- Gus Johnson

Hahahaha. Whoa there buddy. Now I know I'm not the best person to be talking about MMA upsets, but I'm guessing that doesn't even come close to ranking near the top. I like the character of Kimbo Slice as much as the next person, but they really need to stop pretending like he's Zeus, or they're going to be out of the MMA business quicker than they got in.

Kimbo Slice Is Officially A Fraud (With Leather)

(Thanks to WJ for the clip)

The New York area is all about the national announcers as of late, but this seems like a smart move. Word is that YES will soon be reuniting the once NBC and occasional TNT duo of Marv Albert and Mike Fratello for the Nets' 2008-2009 season. Via the NJ Star-Ledger....

The Nets have filled the TV analyst gig left vacant by Mark Jackson, we're told, and the choice is none other than Mike Fratello (of course).

We all should have seen this coming: Mike's family is still in Hackensack, his kids are in NYC, his heart remains in Jersey, and there aren't many people better at this gig - especially when he's teamed with Marv Albert.

The announcement is still some time off, presumably because he is shopping around for a new telestrator.

The Knicks and Nets may have two of the worst teams in the NBA last season but they've got the announcer market cornered. I'm not the biggest "Czar" fan, but he knows his stuff, and when you Marv Albert, Mike Breen, Ian Eagle, Jim Spanarkel, Bob Wischusen, Gus Johnson, Walt Frazier, etc....New York has some pretty good leads and backups in their stable.

NJ Nets: Marv and Czar, Together Again (NJ.com)

It's been awhile since CBS had one of their MMA shows. The next one scheduled for October 4th, and will feature the return of Kimbo Slice to the network, but there's now a bit of controversy. No....not that CBS wants to drop Elite XC for the UFC....that's old news. It's the fact that Gus Johnson might not be able to call the fight because of his NFL commitment to the network. Gasp!

Well MDS at Fanhouse talked to someone at CBS and the think they might have a solution. Just have him do both....

Johnson is a well respected broadcaster, and mixed martial arts fans were thrilled when he signed on to call the CBS EliteXC shows. But there's been some hand-wringing among MMA fans over whether Johnson would be able to call Kimbo's October 4 fight because Johnson also does NFL play-by-play, and it would make for tough scheduling to do an MMA show Saturday night and then a football game Sunday afternoon.

But Johnson might just give it a try. A source at CBS told me today that they're hoping Johnson will be able to do the EliteXC show (which is in Hollywood, Florida), get to the hotel for a few hours of sleep and and then get up to work the Chargers-Dolphins game in Miami at 1 p.m. the next day.

That would be a rough weekend for Johnson, but I hope he does it. His enthusiasm is a treat to hear, in any sport.

I know that Gus is a company man, and while it would be an awesome weekend for Sports fans if he pulled this off, but that's a lot of work with little to no sleep. Well come to think of it, with the schedule of games that CBS has him working on over the next few weeks, it probably wouldn't really matter if he sleepwalked through a game....

Week #2- Buffalo at Jacksonville
Week #3- Kansas City at Atlanta

Gus Johnson Could Be Busy: Kimbo Slice One Day, LaDainian Tomlinson the Next (Fanhouse)