"Get you some of that Jalen Tabor"

#26
#26
Voltopia said:
I don't mind Kesling too much anymore, but I also don't ever go out of my way to listen to the radio broadcasts these days. He's okay. Nothing that gets me excited.

The thing about Kesling which I've always thought is that he doesn't build a story through his broadcasts or throughout the games. He tells you what happens, usually, but it's always a bit more functional than it is descriptive. Someone once said he's better at TV than he is at radio, and I'd agree with that assessment.

But Ward, Ward was a storyteller. He would paint the picture of the game's atmosphere with the inflection and pacing of his speech. He made each gameday a story and brought you with him for the duration. Like, if he had narrated Jenning's big catch for the go ahead score, Ward would have given that catch its due and said something like-

"Jennings (pause) bobbling the catch (pause - even though the crowd's yelling in the background and you know he made the catch) bobbling the lead (pause) bobbling the end of the streak (pause) BUT. HE. BRINGS. IT. IN. AND. TAKES. IT. HOME. (long pause for effect) TOUCHDOWN. TENNESSEE."

And then he'd take care of the business. "55 yards on a high pass from Dobbs which Jennings bobbled for the longest time before making the catch and streaking ahead of the Florida defenders. Tennessee takes the lead against the Florida Gators, 23 to 21."

Ward wove you a story with the plays and the words. He didn't try to keep up with every play in real time -- he used the broadcast to tell you the story of the game. And when big moments happened, Ward showed his emotion through clear intonation, emphasis on language, and pacing. Kesling just sort of tells you what happened, and while he's gotten better at calling the games than he once was, I would never say I enjoy it. It's just functional.

Nothing against Bob, I don't know a thing about him and I assume he paid a lot of dues to get the job. Just not a storyteller when he calls games.
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Wow. I sincerely appreciate reading your description of and affection for Ward. Thanks.
 
#28
#28
MurphyVol said:
I like Bob and Tim a good bit, especially with the TV on.....I don't really need someone to "paint me a picture" like Ward did now that all games are televised.

Tim is like listening to a very knowledge fan. I really like his insight and humor
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Agree! Kesling no John Ward, but I've listened to almost every game since 1988 (while either watching in person or on TV) & JW was making a lot mistakes (names, yardage, etc.) towards the end - still his phrasing was always excellent! However, Tim Priest is vast improvement over Bill Anderson, who never added much analysis. My only complaint with Kesling is that sometimes I want him to be MORE of a homer! If I wanted impartiality I'd listen to the TV announcers!
 
#30
#30
MurphyVol said:
I like Bob and Tim a good bit, especially with the TV on.....I don't really need someone to "paint me a picture" like Ward did now that all games are televised.
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It's true, everything is televised, but Kesling's primary function during the game itself, and why he has the title "voice of the Vols," is to give the best radio broadcast possible. "Painting a picture" may not be needed, but I would still argue it would be preferred. Kesling is okay, but after decades of greatness I'd still prefer the painted pictures over "okay." It is, after all, radio.
 
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