Hey Folks --

[Chris Carlin]

Terrific turnout tonight at HPSS. Tremendous passion, as always. You guys never disappoint!

Just wanted to clarify about tonight's BTN broadcast -- as I see some were....less than thrilled. Over the years, spring games have become more of a conversation about the program than a traditional broadcast of the game. It really gives us a unique opportunity to go in depth, when normally we wouldn't have that chance. As such, Eric and I spent the evening going through all aspects of Coach Ash, his staff, and the players. If that wasn't your cup of tea, well, I completely understand, and I'm sorry you were disappointed. If it were a real game, that certainly would not have been the case.

It's my honor to call the games, one that I'll never take for granted. Thanks guys, for watching & listening, and for your dedication to Rutgers.

 

[chiefs1956]

You guys do a great job. I enjoyed your commentary.

 

[jay_hq]

If you didnt talk enough about the new coaching staff, people would have complained about that instead.

Dont mind the whiners.

Thanks!

 

[Alamo Al]

There will always be complainers.

 

[MulletCork]

Great job Chris & thank you for all the hard work you put in man

Rutgers spring game live on Big Ten Network.... Who woulda guessed it 10 years ago?

Thanks for being a fan and for all your support. It is highly appreciated & always enjoyable

 

[Knight Shift]

Chris, I was at the game and did not see the broadcast. But I watched a couple of the other spring games on BTN, and the format was similar to what you described. Screw the negative d-bags on this site, and please don't ever apologize for what you do. You can please some of the people some of the time--everyone else, F- them. Really looking forward to you, Ray and Eric's broadcasts this coming season.

 

[devoted2ru]

Chris, like others in this thread, I enjoyed the spring game broadcast and commentary, and look forward to you guys calling RU's games this upcoming season.

And as others have mentioned, don't let the complainers get to you. -Hey, everybody has a right to their opinion and I totally respect that. But some on here seem to consciously look for something to carp about no matter what. It's kind of like a hobby for them. ...It's simply what they do.

 

[RUTrack94]

I appreciate all you do. People reading the board knew a lot beforehand, but people need to remember there are a lot of people checking out the team (RU fans, offer team fans, recruits) watching the game and we need all the positive image we can get. Thank you!

 

[RUtix4me]

I thought it was pretty funny that people couldn't figure out that you werent there to call play by play for the most part. Did they think all the guests were walking in unannounced and you were taking it upon yourself to chat with them? That was the pre-determined plan, speak of the program, the progress, and the positives.

 

[ScarletKid2008]

Thanks Chris! We need more people like yourself out there with the enthusiasm for RU athletics. Keep it up and thank you !!

 

[Plum Street]

I get the fact that the spring game serves as an informercial for Rutgers football . I also respect Chris coming on here to defend the broadcast. There was lots of good info and interviews last night , which was great. But if you're a fan that actually wanted to watch the game and see how some players look it was very hard. The 'game' was pretty much ignored in the broadcast . There were times when the announcers didn't know what qb was in the game or didn't bother mentioning it . Kinda a big deal because we have a big qb comp going on and many ru fans wanted to focus on how each guy performed.

 

[RUtix4me]

I get the fact that the spring game serves as an informercial for Rutgers football . I also respect Chris coming on here to defend the broadcast. There was lots of good info and interviews last night , which was great. But if you're a fan that actually wanted to watch the game and see how some players look it was very hard. The 'game' was pretty much ignored in the broadcast . There were times when the announcers didn't know what qb was in the game or didn't bother mentioning it . Kinda a big deal because we have a big qb comp going on and many ru fans wanted to focus on how each guy performed.

Just one question, you knew that they didnt know who the QB was, because other than one fan here we all seem to know who 5,11, 17 are, so yeh it was clear they didnt know, but I guess we knew anyway yeh? I thought not getting an Idea of the defense was a little tougher since they are all new. At the LB and secondary is less than decided. Easy to see who the pass was for, but who was defending, not so easy. But i get the format.

 

[czxqa]

I thought the broadcast was very well put together, appreciated the multiple coach interviews, and following the broadcast up with the Big Ten Football report, with a heavy dose of Rutgers footage, the Chris Ash interview and so forth, was a perfect followup to the game. Really enjoyed the segment with Eric as well.

 

[RU-Kidding]

Chris, I was at the game and did not see the broadcast. But I watched a couple of the other spring games on BTN, and the format was similar to what you described. Screw the negative d-bags on this site, and please don't ever apologize for what you do. You can please some of the people some of the time--everyone else, F- them. Really looking forward to you, Ray and Eric's broadcasts this coming season.

There's nothing wrong with some constructive criticism and we can certainly do without the immature name calling of those who express a valid opinion. I also thought that the balance of the broadcast as an informercial versus describing what was actually happening on the field was out of whack and should be revisited.

 

[Plum Street]

Just one question, you knew that they didnt know who the QB was, because other than one fan here we all seem to know who 5,11, 17 are, so yeh it was clear they didnt know, but I guess we knew anyway yeh? I thought not getting an Idea of the defense was a little tougher since they are all new. At the LB and secondary is less than decided. Easy to see who the pass was for, but who was defending, not so easy. But i get the format.

The announcers didn't know or pay attention to the qb situation . Didn't really pay attention to any position battles either . Like I said I get the informercial part of it . But I also think that the game should not be completely ignored . You know it's still a spring 'game '.
Please people don't tell me it was completely meaningless on the field last night . The special teams coach cut his on field interview short because you know he actually was coaching .

 

[Dr. Potato]

Thanks Chris. I enjoyed the interviews with the staff and AD. And some of the other pieces.

It was hard to keep track of the offense without the play-by-play announcing.

 

[RUROCKIN]

Way to go Chris. It's obvious to see that you and Eric work hard to prepare for these broadcasts. Keep up the great work.

 

[ngrant]

good job. I like Eric giggling and snorting less, and he's starting to speak slower. He always has great insight and detail. But Ray needs to talk to a producer before the Washington game.

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

The announcers didn't know or pay attention to the qb situation . Didn't really pay attention to any position battles either . Like I said I get the informercial part of it . But I also think that the game should not be completely ignored . You know it's still a spring 'game '.
Please people don't tell me it was completely meaningless on the field last night . The special teams coach cut his on field interview short because you know he actually was coaching .

Plum Street is correct. Carlin should not listen to those praising him and his OP seemed to take notice of legitimate criticism otherwise he wouldn't have bothered to respond. Those seeking to waive off the negative critiques are doing him a disservice.

My take: Use pre-game and halftime to profile the new coaching staff, but when there is action on the field report that action. The way the game commentary went, half the time it was as if the team didn't really care who was in the game or what was happening. I know they need to go beyond the starting 11 on O and D in order to do a good job on the Spring Game.. I think next time they should do that.

It wasn't a disaster, but it could have been better. Take the critiques honestly and make it so.

[EDIT: I did not see the previous thread that Carlin's OP was responding to.. as Knight-Shift's comment below suggests.. if it were full of insults rather that legit criticism then I can understand those telling Carlin to ignore it all]

 

[Knight Shift]

There's nothing wrong with some constructive criticism and we can certainly do without the immature name calling of those who express a valid opinion. I also thought that the balance of the broadcast as an informercial versus describing what was actually happening on the field was out of whack and should be revisited.

I agree about constructive criticism, however, there were several destructive attacks on our announcers in that thread, and I stand by my d-bag comment.

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

good job. I like Eric giggling and snorting less, and he's starting to speak slower. He always has great insight and detail. But Ray needs to talk to a producer before the Washington game.

Yeah.. Eric should be less-paralyzed. Geez guy, don't you know the effort he has to make to speak at all?

 

[Rufaninga]

Chris - thanks for caring enough about the fans to post. You are a class act. Looking forward to the upcoming season and listening to you and EL.

 

[lighty]

I understand using it to present conversations with the coaches and players -- I think that's important -- I just wish it might have been a bit easier to follow the action. Early on, the conversations seemed to take away from the chance we had to see how the QBs were doing, which I think was one of the main points of interest. The use of the split screen helped, but there were a few times early on when there wasn't a split screen - just the interview.

 

[golconda]

Thanks to the commentators for promoting Rutgers last night. I thought the program went well. Being located in South Carolina you don't get to hear all of the ins and outs that are going on with the program. Also for those who are not entrenched on this board an infomercial is exactly what they needed last night. Last night was an opportunity for Rutgers football to promote itself and I thought that is exactly what the announcers did. This was not an actual game but a scrimmage promoted as a game. It is an opportunity for the coaches to evaluate players, not just for fans to evaluate the team, that will come during the season. I thought overall it was very informative.

 

[cRURah]

I was one of those posting criticism of the broadcast during the game. It's nice of Chris to post here but it doesn't change my mind. Both he and Eric largely ignored the game. The third quarter was almost half over before they even talked about anything happening on the field. Not only did they not do any play by play, they didn't report any stats and didn't tell us who was on the field. They ignored the defense entirely, players, formations, schemes were not mentioned. While some of the interviews were interesting, the broadcast undermined the importance of the Spring game as they largely treated the game itself as irrelevant.

 

[RURod]

Thanks for the post, Chris. Thought you guys did a great job. I also liked how, after interviewing AD Hobbs, you acknowledged RU's rough couple of years, but made the point of how things have improved since Hobbs has been in the saddle. With all the negative press we have received over the last couple of years, I think it is important to highlight the changes RU and President Barchi have made, particularly on BTN.

 

[ColonelRutgers]

The broadcast was fine. It was not a real game, it was practice and the conversational style broadcast was entirely appropriate for Rutgers fans and also for other Big Ten fans dropping in to check it out. Plus, we could actually read the uniform names and numbers so we could actually follow along at home and in the stands!!!

 

[B0ski]

Chris - enjoyed the format of the broadcast. Keep up the good work.

 

[TMCB]

Chris you are the best however I did not hear the broadcast because I was there.,,,,,, Go RU

 

[DHajekRC84]

Hey Chris. Thanks for being a stand up guy and coming to share the insight. I'd love for this to be played and called just like a real game. But it is not. So once a fan (like me) can adjust to what it really is..and I did. I get it and also say thanks for the work/job you and Eric do.

Glad to hear Eric is sounding better and better too. And that is not to say he was bad or anything like that but it is clear his breathing IS getting better and that is a GREAT thing. [thumb2]

and here's s a fist pump for you...:fistbump:

 

[RUsince52]

I get the fact that the spring game serves as an informercial for Rutgers football . I also respect Chris coming on here to defend the broadcast. There was lots of good info and interviews last night , which was great. But if you're a fan that actually wanted to watch the game and see how some players look it was very hard. The 'game' was pretty much ignored in the broadcast . There were times when the announcers didn't know what qb was in the game or didn't bother mentioning it . Kinda a big deal because we have a big qb comp going on and many ru fans wanted to focus on how each guy performed.

I agree. It was a nice broadcast and a chance to get a preview of what we might see in the fall. I was hoping to see some of the new guys that we read about on the daily spring practice updates, but there was very little mention about them. It was hard to tell if they were in the game. All in all, it was a fun evening for the fans and apparently no serious injuries either. Good finish to the spring.

 

[CornerTavern]

Thank you for writing this message, Chris. You are a true professional and a great guy, Cheers!

 

[RU4Real]

I didn't catch the broadcast. Was it anything like the Mets' TV booth? I really do enjoy listening to Gary, Keith and Ron being so open with their feelings about the rules of the game, the men who play it, cooking tips, travel plans, fashion trends and the performing arts.

 

[koleszar]

Just one question, you knew that they didnt know who the QB was, because other than one fan here we all seem to know who 5,11, 17 are, so yeh it was clear they didnt know, but I guess we knew anyway yeh? I thought not getting an Idea of the defense was a little tougher since they are all new. At the LB and secondary is less than decided. Easy to see who the pass was for, but who was defending, not so easy. But i get the format.

I didn't get the format at all. Did anyone here really need an infomercial on RU football. What we didn't know is what our team looks like this year. Do to the very limited media coverage. Basic concepts on offense and defense, players playing on the field, who was who, a little bit about each, who made the play. The scrimmage it seemed was an after thought, where as it should have been the main focus. The casual fans aren't watching this scrimmage, those are the one's you target with infomercials. It's the die hard RU and college football fans who care to watch these scrimmages. They want info on their current team. We didn't get that with the constant cutaways and talk about anything but what was happening on the field. This format was more suited for a 30 days of spring broadcast.

 

[redlinehw]

Didn't see the broadcast but as a 24 year season ticket holder I've been a fan of CC's broadcasts for many years. I also think that EL is a very knowledgeable football guy and adds great insight, especially on defense.

Fan of Ray Lucas too-he's a huge homer but not afraid to add a little criticism when warranted.

 

[RUchip]

I went to the spring game so I didnt have to hear your broadcast.

 

[RU#1fan]

The announcers didn't know or pay attention to the qb situation . Didn't really pay attention to any position battles either . Like I said I get the informercial part of it . But I also think that the game should not be completely ignored . You know it's still a spring 'game '.
Please people don't tell me it was completely meaningless on the field last night . The special teams coach cut his on field interview short because you know he actually was coaching .

This. The commentary portion of the broadcast is fine in moderation but should not be the sole content in my opinion.
Fans want to hear about the play and the impact it has.
To those making immature, idiotic remarks about posters grow the f up.

Chris C. has delivered his POV and moved on from this thread.

 

[RU-ROCS]

Terrific turnout tonight at HPSS. Tremendous passion, as always. You guys never disappoint!

Just wanted to clarify about tonight's BTN broadcast -- as I see some were....less than thrilled. Over the years, spring games have become more of a conversation about the program than a traditional broadcast of the game. It really gives us a unique opportunity to go in depth, when normally we wouldn't have that chance. As such, Eric and I spent the evening going through all aspects of Coach Ash, his staff, and the players. If that wasn't your cup of tea, well, I completely understand, and I'm sorry you were disappointed. If it were a real game, that certainly would not have been the case.

It's my honor to call the games, one that I'll never take for granted. Thanks guys, for watching & listening, and for your dedication to Rutgers.

I was at the game then watched you on tape. I totally understand the infomercial format. It is a good way for the program to market itself. Keep up the good work. I always enjoy your "real" call of the RU games on the radio.

 

[Kbee3]

I was one of those posting criticism of the broadcast during the game. It's nice of Chris to post here but it doesn't change my mind. Both he and Eric largely ignored the game. The third quarter was almost half over before they even talked about anything happening on the field. Not only did they not do any play by play, they didn't report any stats and didn't tell us who was on the field. They ignored the defense entirely, players, formations, schemes were not mentioned. While some of the interviews were interesting, the broadcast undermined the importance of the Spring game as they largely treated the game itself as irrelevant.

I definitely appreciate CC's response to the criticism. I think the real point of much of the complaining is that the announcers for the broadcast could have paid a tad more attention to what was happening on the field. Sure, they wanna interview the new coaches and Sanu and whoever. Fine. But far too many times during the broadcast it seemed as if they didn't even recognize that guys were competing out there on the field. Or even who they were. This isn't an either-or issue. It's a matter of degrees. And I think they could have focused a bit more on the players...who were you know...playing.

 

[RUsince52]

This. The commentary portion of the broadcast is fine in moderation but should not be the sole content in my opinion.
Fans want to hear about the play and the impact it has.
To those making immature, idiotic remarks about posters grow the f up.

Chris C. has delivered his POV and moved on from this thread.

For information purposes only, check out the Mich St Spring game on BTN. It's a good comparison as what the knowledgeable RU fan might have expected for this game. Announcers still added insight, but still mentioned players involved by name. Not total play by play, but very informative. We're still at square one with this type TV broadcast and maybe this is what RU was shooting for this go around. No right or wrong either way, just conjecture.