re: Unpopular opinion: Jim Hawthorn > Chris Blair

Of course but it’s a different era. I haven’t listened to a game since Hawthorne retired. In the 80/90s though radio was often the only way to tune in. Except forJefferson Pilot, which was not that great. I remember my dad listening to the games in the carport while he shined his shoes. Hawthorne’s approach was for that medium - imprecise, emotional, and interspersed with historical context.

When the other team made a good play or we caught a bad break Hawthorne would use a flat, factual, slightly disappointed tone. He was competitive. If he got excited and messed up a call - it was more in line with watching a game In the stadium, without the repetitive instant replays that are half of what’s on TV now. Like Coach O he was an LSU fan first and foremost.