Verne Lundquist’s top-five games and sports events he has covered:
T-1. Auburn 34, Alabama 28
Nov. 30
Auburn’s Chris Davis returns a missed field-goal attempt for the game-winning touchdown.
His comment: "The Iron Bowl equals the thrill and the memory of Augusta in 1986."
His call: "On the way … No. Returned by Chris Davis. Davis goes left. Davis gets a block. Davis has another block. Chris Davis! No flags! Touchdown, Auburn! An answered prayer!
T-1. Nicklaus wins his sixth Masters
April 13, 1986
Jack Nicklaus, 46, rallies to win his final green jacket at Augusta National.
Lundquist's comment: "He took the lead on the hole (No. 17) to which I was assigned."
His call: "Maybe, yes sir!" (as the putt dropped)
3. Duke 104, Kentucky 103
March 28, 1992
Christian Laettner makes a 17-foot jumper at the buzzer to defeat the Wildcats in the regional finals of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
Lundquist's comment: "That was incredible."
His call: "There's the pass to Laettner … puts it up … yes!"
4. Kerrigan vs. Harding
Winter Olympics, 1994
Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding were figure-skating rivals, so much so that Harding’s ex-husband allegedly hired a man to injure Kerrigan.
Lundquist's comment: "That was an experience I will treasure and never forget. Hype works. That was the most-hyped event I've ever seen. When they went into the short program, we had a 48.5 rating and 126 million viewers."
5. Steelers 35, Cowboys 31
Super Bowl XIII, Jan. 21, 1979
Lundquist worked for the Cowboys’ radio network during this game. In the third quarter, Dallas tight end Jackie Smith dropped a touchdown pass that would have tied the score at 21-21.
Lundquist's comment: In terms of moments, Lundquist said Tiger Woods' chip-in birdie on No. 16 during the 2005 Masters would go here. But when ranking events, Lundquist said this Super Bowl moves into this list.
His call: "Bless his heart, he's got to be the sickest man in America! He was so wide open it was incredible, and he couldn't hang onto the ball."
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