5 with Charles Davis - Big Ten Network

Five Questions With... Charles Davis

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Charles Davis

Charles Davis, one of the most respected and knowledgeable college football analysts on television, will serve as the lead game analyst on Big Ten Network. He will pair with Thom Brennaman. Last January, they called the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and the BCS National Championship Game on FOX. Davis most recently worked as lead analyst for TBS' football coverage of the Big 12 and Pac-10 conferences. He is also a sideline reporter for the NBA on TNT, a college football analyst for the NFL Network and an analyst on CBS' coverage of the NCAA basketball tournament.

Q: What about the Big Ten Network appealed to you?

A: "It's a chance to make history with a conference that already has a proven history. The Big Ten has a respect factor and track record that very few conferences, if any, have."

Q: You and Thom Brennaman had the opportunity to call two of the BCS games last year. What is it like working with Thom?

A: "He's terrific. Thom is one of the very best in the business. He's knowledgeable, personable and he works hard. He educates me about the business and helps me see things from a different perspective. It's truly a great thing for me to get a chance to work with one of the best."

Q: One of those BCS games was the amazing Boise State-Oklahoma game. Where does that game rank in the history of greatest games?

A: "Everyone has their personal favorite games. For me, that game is on the list. I don't know that I could rank the greatest games, one through five. With that game, though, I wouldn't get past too many numbers. It was a so-called David vs. Goliath match-up between two teams in two different pantheons of college football. All of those factors made it interesting and then to see Boise State go toe-to-toe with the Big 12 champion was incredible. The design and execution of all Boise State's trick plays in the most critical of situations made it one of the most amazing games ever played."

Q: During your broadcasting career, you've covered college football, college basketball, the NFL and the NBA. Which is the loudest arena or stadium?

A: "That's a tough question because there are so many. A lot of places can make a good case, but I would put Auburn and Florida atop my list."

Q: Who is your sleeper pick to make a run at the Big Ten title this fall and why?

A: "You can never go wrong with Ohio State, Wisconsin or Michigan. Iowa and Penn State are in the next group and my sleeper pick is the trendy pick: Iowa. I just think there is no way they have another year like that under coach Kirk Ferentz. They get a fresh start and they always have a great defense under Norm Parker, their defensive coordinator."