10 Best Verne Lundquist Calls in the English Language

Verne Lundquist

The incomparable voice of sports broadcasting, Verne Lundquist, has graced our screens and radios for over five decades, etching his name indelibly in the annals of sports commentary. His unmatched enthusiasm, infectious energy, and signature catchphrases have delighted generations of fans, making him an icon in the world of athletics. From the hallowed grounds of college football to the global stage of the Olympics, Lundquist’s resonant voice has captured the drama, excitement, and grandeur of countless sporting events, leaving an enduring legacy of unforgettable calls.

Lundquist’s ability to convey the raw emotion and high stakes of a game is unparalleled. His voice quivers with excitement during tense moments, adding an extra layer of intensity to the action unfolding on the field. Whether it’s the thunderous roar of a crowd or the hushed anticipation before a game-winning play, Lundquist’s commentary perfectly complements the visual spectacle, creating an immersive experience for the audience. His sharp wit and clever turns of phrase add a touch of levity to the proceedings, ensuring that even the most mundane moments are infused with entertainment.

Beyond his exceptional commentary skills, Lundquist is also a master of storytelling. His ability to weave historical context, personal anecdotes, and insightful analysis into his broadcasts adds depth and richness to the experience. He effortlessly connects with viewers on a human level, sharing his passion for sports and the human drama that unfolds on and off the field. Lundquist’s iconic calls, such as “Touchdown, Alabama!” and “He could go all the way!” have become synonymous with sports broadcasting, forever etched in the memories of fans everywhere. His legacy as one of the greatest sports announcers of all time is secure, and his voice will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come.

The Call That Defined a Dynasty

In the annals of college football commentary, Verne Lundquist’s unforgettable call during the 1981 Orange Bowl stands out as a masterpiece, forever etched in the memory of sports fans.

The game pitted the undefeated Clemson Tigers against the legendary Nebraska Cornhuskers. As the clock ticked down to zero, the Tigers’ running back, Lester Brown, broke through the line of scrimmage and raced towards the end zone. Lundquist’s voice rose to a crescendo:

“Down goes Clemens! That’s all of it! Brown to the 5, the 4, the 3, the 2, the 1! Touchdown, Clemson!”

The stadium erupted in a thunderous roar as Lundquist’s iconic declaration crowned Clemson as national champions. The call not only marked the end of a thrilling game but also signaled the dawn of a new era in college football.

Lundquist’s signature phrasing, “Down goes Clemens!” became synonymous with the Tigers’ victory and cemented his status as one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time. The call is still frequently replayed and quoted, reminding fans of the unforgettable drama and excitement of that historic moment.

The Legendary Call in Context

Before the Call	The Call	After the Call
“Clemson’s got one more chance to score, down by a touchdown…”	“Down goes Clemens! That’s all of it! Brown to the 5, the 4, the 3, the 2, the 1! Touchdown, Clemson!”	“The Tigers have done it! The 1981 Orange Bowl, and Clemson has an unbelievable victory over Nebraska!”

The Drama of the Immaculate Reception

On a cold December afternoon in 1972, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders faced off in a Divisional Playoff game that would forever be etched in NFL history. With time ticking down and the Steelers trailing 7-0, quarterback Terry Bradshaw heaved a pass towards John Fuqua. The ball was intercepted by Raiders safety Jack Tatum, but it bounced off Tatum’s helmet and into the hands of running back Franco Harris. Harris then sprinted 42 yards for a touchdown, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

The Call

As the play unfolded, legendary sportscaster Verne Lundquist provided a captivating and unforgettable commentary:

“They’re going to score! The Steelers are going to score!”

“Harris by the 20, the 15, the 10! Oh, my goodness! The Steelers have got a touchdown!”

Time	Commentary
1:00	“Harris catches it! Oh, my goodness! The Immaculate Reception!”
0:45
0:30

Lundquist’s animated and passionate call perfectly captured the drama and excitement of the moment. His words became synonymous with the Immaculate Reception and helped to immortalize the play as one of the most iconic in NFL history.

The Miracle on Ice, Captured in Words

The Backdrop

Amidst the Cold War’s icy grip, a group of young American hockey players faced off against the seemingly invincible Soviet Red Army team. The stakes were high, and the outcome would forever be etched in the annals of sports history.

The Iconic Call

As the final seconds ticked away, with the United States clinging to a 4-3 lead, Mike Eruzione scored the game-winning goal. Verne Lundquist’s legendary call reverberated through homes across America:

Do you believe in miracles? Yes!

The Words that Immortalized a Moment

Lundquist’s call was not merely a description of the event. It captured the collective emotions of a nation, galvanizing a sense of hope and pride. Here is a tabulated breakdown of the key elements of his iconic call:

The Shot Heard ‘Round the World

On May 19, 2011, Luke Donald hit a stunning shot on the 18th hole at the BMW PGA Championship that echoed around Wentworth and beyond. It was a moment that would go down in golfing history as one of the most dramatic and memorable ever witnessed.

Donald’s tee shot found the rough, leaving him with a difficult second shot to a green guarded by water. With the pressure mounting, he hit a towering 6-iron that landed just short of the green and spun back to within a few feet of the hole. He then calmly rolled in the birdie putt to secure a one-stroke victory.

The Significance of the Shot

Donald’s shot was not only a thing of beauty, but also one of immense significance. It was the shot that sealed his first victory in a World Golf Championship event, and it helped him to become the world’s number one ranked golfer. The shot also played a pivotal role in the 2011 Race to Dubai, as it gave Donald a significant lead over his rivals.

The Impact of the Shot on Wentworth

The shot had a profound impact on Wentworth, the home of the BMW PGA Championship. It was a moment that will never be forgotten by those who were there to witness it. The shot has also helped to cement Wentworth’s reputation as one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world.

Phrase	Significance
“Do you believe in miracles?”	A rhetorical question highlighting the unexpected and improbable nature of the American victory.
“Yes!”	An emphatic and celebratory response, expressing the shared disbelief and joy of the nation.
“They won it!”	A simple but powerful declaration of the historic victory, emphasizing the magnitude of the achievement.

Year	Winner	Score
2011	Luke Donald	6-under

The Power of Goosebumps

Verne Lundquist’s commentary was known for its ability to elicit goosebumps from listeners, creating an unforgettable and immersive experience. His most iconic calls are often remembered for the emotional connection they brought to the game. Here are some of his most memorable calls:

8. “Touchdown! Alabama has won the National Championship!” (1993 Sugar Bowl)

In one of the most thrilling college football games of all time, Lundquist’s call of Alabama’s game-winning touchdown against Florida State encapsulated the sheer joy and excitement that can accompany a championship victory. His enthusiastic and powerful delivery captured the essence of the moment, making it an unforgettable call in the annals of sports broadcasting.

Table of Verne Lundquist’s Most Iconic Goosebump-Inducing Calls:
1. “He’s got the ball at the 50, the 40, the 30, the 20, the 10, the 5!” (1997 Sugar Bowl)
2. “The Kick! The Kick! The Kick! The Kick is block—the Kick is block—the Kick is block—” (1982 Cotton Bowl)
3. “He’s got it! He’s in! Touchdown, LSU!” (1958 Sugar Bowl)
4. “The play is called, the ball is snapped, and he’s down! The quarterback is sacked!” (1980 Rose Bowl)
5. “Here come the Irish!” (1988 National Championship)
6. “The pass is intercepted! The pass is intercepted—and it’s returned… for a touchdown!” (1981 Sugar Bowl)
7. “The pass is incomplete!” (1982 National Championship)

A Symphony of Excitement

Verne Lundquist, the legendary sportscaster known for his vibrant and captivating commentary, graced the airwaves with a symphony of excitement that captured the hearts of sports fans for decades. His exceptional calls, marked by a vibrant flair, painted indelible moments into the tapestry of sports history.

9. A Renaissance Masterpiece

**Game:** Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Florida Gators (1993)
**Moment:** Arkansas running back Madre Hill’s 8-yard touchdown run to give the Razorbacks a 13-10 lead with just over a minute remaining in the game

Lundquist’s Call:
“Oh my! Madre Hill, with time running out, breaks free! A boundless burst of energy! Touchdown, Arkansas! The Razorbacks have done it! A miraculous finish!”

Lundquist’s commentary in this iconic moment was a masterpiece of evocative language, painting a vivid picture of Hill’s electrifying run. His words captured the raw emotion and anticipation as Arkansas sealed a memorable victory, leaving listeners breathless with excitement.

10. The 1982 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Game

In a thrilling championship game that went down to the wire, North Carolina defeated Georgetown 63-62. Lundquist’s call of the final seconds, as James Worthy’s shot bounced off the rim and into the hands of Tar Heels player Matt Doherty, is one of the most iconic moments in college basketball history. With just 15 seconds remaining, Worthy drove to the basket and shot the ball, which bounced off the rim and into Doherty’s hands. Doherty then passed the ball to Tar Heels coach Dean Smith, who called a timeout with just seconds remaining. After the timeout, North Carolina had the ball and a one-point lead. With just three seconds remaining, Worthy again drove to the basket and shot the ball, but it once again bounced off the rim and into the hands of Doherty, who secured the victory for the Tar Heels. Lundquist’s call of the final seconds, “The pass to Worthy, he shoots, the rebound to Doherty, the timeout will be called, North Carolina by one!” is etched into the memories of basketball fans.

Year	Event	Call
1982	NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Game	“The pass to Worthy, he shoots, the rebound to Doherty, the timeout will be called, North Carolina by one!”
1988	The Masters	“Sandy Lyle has won the Masters!”

Verne Lundquist’s Best Calls

Verne Lundquist, the legendary sportscaster, has graced the airwaves for over 50 years. Known for his signature catchphrases and enthusiastic commentary, he has called countless memorable sporting events, etching his name in sportscasting history. Here are some of his most iconic and unforgettable calls:

“Touchdown! Cal!” – The 1982 NCAA Football National Championship game between Cal and Stanford. Lundquist’s call encapsulated the elation and heartbreak of the game’s climactic moment.
“Right down the line!” – The 1985 Masters Tournament, as Bernhard Langer sank a long putt to secure victory. Lundquist’s emphatic call captured the tension and excitement of the tournament’s finale.
“Oh my goodness!” – The 1991 U.S. Open, as Payne Stewart hit an improbable putt to win the tournament. Lundquist’s exclamation perfectly conveyed the shock and disbelief of the moment.
“And the Wildcats need a miracle!” – The 1994 Arizona vs. Miami football game, as Arizona pulled off an upset victory. Lundquist’s call captured the drama and suspense of the game’s final moments.

These calls showcase Lundquist’s ability to capture the essence of sporting events and evoke emotions in his listeners. His enthusiastic delivery and unforgettable phrases have left an enduring legacy in the world of sportscasting.