CBS analyst Gary Danielson confused fans in analyzing a critical play in Saturday’s Michigan-USC game.
While he may not have been technically wrong, at the very least he failed to adequately explain the situation, and missed a golden opportunity to educate fans.
Midway through the fourth quarter, with USC leading Michigan 24-20, the Wolverines faced third and long. Quarterback Alex Orji dropped back to pass but got sacked.
Danielson quickly jumped in to break down the play as a replay was shown.
“D’Anton Lynn, the defensive coordinator, is challenging and does not believe this quarterback can beat him,” Danielson said. “They’re going to go man-to-man. They’re saying, ‘Can you throw the ball well enough?'”
Danielson concluded by saying, “Nobody open.”
Just as Danielson said, “Nobody open,” the replay clearly showed Wolverines wide receiver Semaj Morgan breaking wide open, 10 yards or so behind the defense after his defender fell down. Morgan beat his helmet in frustration at not getting the ball.
Gary Danielson said Michigan had “Nobody open” on this play.
He said this right as replays showed receiver Semaj Morgan didn’t have a USC player within 10 yards of him. pic.twitter.com/mbQZ0RY1h9
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 21, 2024
The analysis made Danielson look bad. By extension, Danielson’s failure to notice the wide-open Morgan on the replay made Orji look bad.
A slow-motion replay shows Orji start to tuck the ball to prepare for the sack just as Morgan broke free, with only about two yards of separation. The Wolverines QB was looking to the other side of the field at the time, so it’s tough to blame him.
At the same time, however, many fans watching the game likely thought, “He was wide open!” just as Danielson said, “Nobody open.” Danielson should have at the very least noted that huge separation on the play and explained why Orji could not have been expected to see that situation.
Instead, both Danielson and Orji, look bad because Danielson failed to make the simple observation on the replay.
I noticed the same thing. He was wide open!!! https://t.co/aqm42uouR2
— E.J. Hradek (@EJHradek_NHL) September 21, 2024
[Photo Credit: CBS]
