For fans looking for something different than the traditional broadcast of Monday’s national championship game, they will have plenty of options as the Worldwide Leader will have 14 total productions, including radio and online, of the rematch between Alabama and Clemson.
Kirk Herbstreit, Chris Fowler, Samantha Ponder and Tom Rinaldi will be on the traditional broadcast shown on ESPN. Over on ESPN2, “The Homers Telecast” will feature former Clemson QB Tajh Boyd and former Alabama C Barrett Jones as analysts with play-by-play from Joe Tessitore.
The “Coaches Film Room” will skip most commercial breaks on ESPNEWS. This year’s coaches lineup includes Dino Babers (Syracuse), PJ Fleck (Western Michigan), Mark Helfrich (former Oregon head coach), Mike MacIntyre (Colorado) and Matt Rhule (Baylor). The announcement notes that more coaches could be added.
For an SEC coach’s perspective, fans can watch the “Finebaum Film Room” on the SEC Network as Florida coach Jim McElwain will join Paul Finebaum, Greg McElroy and Booger McFarland at a location near Raymond James Stadium. The show will take live calls during the game.
Alternative viewing options ESPN has created include:
Command Center (ESPN Goal Line): A split-screen with simultaneous multiple camera views, which could include the main ESPN camera angle, the SkyCam view and isolated camera feeds of both Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and Alabama head coach Nick Saban. Enhanced statistics and real time drive charts supplement the game action. The Command Center was utilized during this year’s College Football Playoff Semifinals.
Home Town Radio (ESPN3): In cooperation with Learfield Sports, the ESPN telecast will be available with the Alabama and Clemson home radio broadcasts serving as the commentary (separate feeds) along with a customized viewing experience that includes full-time isolated shots of head coaches and star players. Alabama’s radio team is Eli Gold, Phil Savage and Chris Stewart; the Clemson radio team is Don Munson, Rodney Williams and Patrick Sapp.
Data Center (ESPN3): On-screen graphic content ranging from analytics, real time drive charts, win probability updates, curated social media reaction and more. ESPN Radio’s call will be part of the presentation.
Sky Cam (ESPN3): A continuous feed of the camera that maneuvers above the field of play and often provides a behind-the-offense look at game action.
For more options in viewing angles, audio and on-screen displays, check out the ESPN release here.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
