Fox’s Big Noon Saturday visited to Columbus to watch the Ohio State Buckeyes predictably roll all over the Marshall Thundering Herd in an easy 49-14 victory. It was maybe a strange choice for Fox to go all-in broadcasting for their marquee window, but it shows how powerful a draw “the world famous Ohio State Buckeyes” are for Fox Sports as Gus Johnson would say.
And in fact, the marriage of Gus Johnson calling Ohio State games has more significance than you might think. During the game, sideline reporter Jenny Taft shared a story of the crew talking with star running back Quinshon Judkins, who transferred to Ohio State after being an All-SEC selection at Ole Miss.
Judkins shared that of course OSU offered him a real chance to win a national championship. Then there’s the obvious NIL opportunities that saw Ohio State assemble what amounts to a college football superteam. But there was one more reason too. Judkins wanted to have his games called by Gus Johnson. And according to Gus, his tribute brought the popular broadcaster to tears.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9punsZ4-Wo
“Yesterday, he pulled Gus aside and said, ‘Where I played before I never had a chance to have a guy like you, Gus Johnson, call my games,” Taft said.
“He had me in tears,” Gus responded.
And Judkins’ dreams were fulfilled when he ripped off a huge 86 yard touchdown against Marshall with Gus on the mic.
QUINSHON JUDKINS CAN FLY 💨
He takes it 86 yards to the house for @OhioStateFB 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ympRt5HPlq
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 21, 2024
Gus was true to his word when he said he would give Judkins everything he’s got as that call and moment was pretty awesome. Given his excitement and energy that has made him a beloved broadcaster for years, who wouldn’t want to have their games called by Johnson?
And as Ohio State keeps rolling throughout the season, Judkins is probably going to have a lot more opportunities to have touchdowns called by his favorite announcer while wearing the scarlet and gray.
