Lost Audio – How Michigan Wolverine Radio Announcers Called the ‘Trouble with the Snap’ Game
For Michigan college football fans the phrase 'trouble with the snap' either brings a wince or wide smile depending on whether they are aligned with the Michigan State Spartans or the Michigan Wolverines.
The 'Trouble with the Snap' game is the 2015 matchup between the rival schools that ended with Michigan needing only to punt away the ball and down the Michigan State return to secure a 23-21 victory and vanquish the then-7th ranked Spartans.
However, there was, as Sean McDonough called on ESPN's telecast 'trouble with the snap' of the ball to the punter leading to a scoop-and-score by MSU's Jalen Watts-Jackson.
Here's how the well known TV call went down:
If you recall McDonough's call, or watched it live, you may not be surprised to know the broadcast was the most-watched game aired during the 3:30 Eastern window in the history of college football.
What's much less remembered is how the Michigan Wolverine announcers called the play. Recently uncovered and shared in a video by YouTuber PCS Highlights showcasing how the losing team's announcers covered iconic winning moments by their opponents.
READ MORE: The University of Michigan Has the Most Lopsided Football Rivalry Ever with Kalamazoo College
Here's the call from U of M's team of Jim Brandstatter and Dan Dierdorf.
Trouble with the snap becomes "Oh he fumbled the ball!" As the play goes on:
Now he fumbled it in the air
It's picked up by Michigan State. At the 20, the 15, the 10, and he's gonna score.
No time left. You've got to be kidding me....
I don't know what to say.
The emotion and incredibleness of the moment is evident in the fact that both ESPN's McDonough and Michigan's Brandstatter have noticeable voice-cracking. McDonough as Watts-Jackson crosses the goal line "and he scores" while Brandstatter on the same word "and he's gonna score."
Michigan and Michigan State Crews Work Together after 'Trouble with the Snap' Play
What's often overlooked in the aftermath of the Trouble with the Snap play is MSU's hero, Jalen Watts-Jackson was injured in the ensuing celebration dogpile and broke his hip. In the image above, he's shown being lifted onto a stretcher and receiving assistance and support from staff of both schools.