Gus Johnson's 5 most memorable Penn State football calls
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From Keith Jackson to Brent Musburger, college football fans have been graced with announcing icons since the beginning of television broadcasting. Today college football fans, especially of the Big Ten have become familiar with a very loud, enthusiastic voice that oozes with charisma. That voice belongs to none other than Gus Johnson
Gus Johnson has covered college football since 2011, serving as FOX Sports lead play-by-play voice. During this time, Gus has covered several Penn State games, in which he made several memorable calls that Nittany Lion fans will surely look back with jubilation!
Keyvonee Lee's last minute touchdown against Purdue
Penn State was looking to set the tone for a successful season in 2022 when they began the season visiting Purdue. As each play transpired on the Nittany Lion's final drive, Gus Johnson's admiration and awe grew as Sean Clifford led Penn State on a game-winning touchdown drive. Clifford found Keyvonee Lee wide open and easily walked into the end zone untouched, as Johnson screamed at the top of his lungs describing the moment as "unbelievable" and "magical."
Mike Gesicki goes up high for touchdown grab in Big Ten Championship
8️⃣8️⃣ days until Penn State football:
— Basic Blues Nation (@BasicBlues) June 4, 2024
Mike Gesicki goes up and grabs this 33-yard TD to put Penn State on the board in the 2016 Big Ten Championship game! #WeAre pic.twitter.com/N97RIaTtAf
When Penn State was playing Michigan State in the final week of the 2016 regular season, the Beaver Stadium crowd was still waiting to hear the final result between Michigan and Ohio State to see what their destiny would be. When word came about that the Buckeyes scored a victory, ESPN's Allison Williams mentioned Mike Gesicki paced up and down the sidelines telling his teammates "It's on!"
Geisicki kept it dialed in and then would make sure to do his part in the Big Ten title game by using every inch of his 6-foot-6 frame to retrieve a pass from Trace McSorley for a touchdown. Johnson empathically stated "Gesicki goes up high!" and finished off the call with a spine-chilling "WOO," that would have made Ric Flair blush with envy.
Saquon Barkley returns opening kickoff for touchdown against Ohio State
Saquon Barkley's Heisman hype in 2017 had a lot to do with making electric plays. He did so right out of the gate against Ohio State. Gus Johnson's call was just as electric. As Barkley raced down the sideline, Johnson's scream grew louder and louder until Barkley entered the end zone stating "Saquon Barkley runs the opening kick 97 yards! Touchdown Nittany Lions!" before mentioning how special teams had been a problem for the Buckeyes and Urban Meyer dating back to the prior season.
Trace McSorley "The Wizard" (2016 Big Ten Championship)
THE WIZARD‼️
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) June 12, 2024
Just felt like revisiting Trace McSorley's game-winning TD to Saquon Barkley in the 2016 @bigten title game. 👇#WinningWednesday x #B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/SPWoWhKELD
Trace McSorley never lost his composure in the Big Ten Championship game, even when Penn State found itself down 28-7. Penn State was driving when McSorley found Barkley on a wheel route for a go-ahead touchdown. For McSorley's performance, Johnson dubbed him "The Wizard" and was sure to refer to it once more after he helped Penn State fight its way back into the game.
"One for the ages" Penn State holds Wisconsin on fourth down to secure Big Ten title
#WhereWereYouWednesday: Nittany Nation, let us know where you were when Grant Haley made a “Stop for the Ages” to clinch the Big 10 Title for the Nittany Lions! ⬇️🥳 pic.twitter.com/0i1IAL8OIs
— Dann Kabala (@DannKabalaPSU) May 6, 2020
All Penn State needed to do was make one final stand against Wisconsin and they would secure the 2016 Big Ten championship. On fourth and one, Corey Clement would receive the handoff, and before he could get to the marker, he was upended by Grant Haley and Marcus Allen, with Johnson following up with an exhilarating "He didn't get it! What a stop! One for the ages!"
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