The Indianapolis Colts are about to take on a three-week gauntlet of tough opponents, including playing the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football in Week 9. But first, they'll be battling a division rival, the Houston Texans, who currently lead the AFC South.
In Week 7, the Texans lost to the Green Bay Packers, while the Colts emerged victorious over the Miami Dolphins. The Colts are on a two-game winning streak, and are looking to keep that going in an upset over the team most experts predict to win the division. Thankfully, two of the Colts' star players -- DeForest Buckner and Jonathan Taylor -- have returned to practice, though it's too soon to know if they'll be able to play Sunday. If they do, it will be a huge boost for the team as they prepare for a tough fight.
Most experts are predicting a Colts loss; will they be proven right? Here's all your information on announcers and referees for Week 8.
Game Info:
- Game day: Sunday, October 27, 2024
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. CST
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Stadium: NRG Stadium
Announcers for Colts vs. Texans:
- Andrew Catalon: Play-by-Play Announcer
- Tiki Barber: Analyst
- AJ Ross: Sideline Reporter
The play-by-play announcer provides commentary on what's going on as it happens on the field. They must have strong knowledge of the game, and the ability to explain what's happening in a way that people of different knowledge levels of football can understand.
Analysts, meanwhile, provide commentary that is complementary to the the play-by-play announcer, often with more in-depth information. Analysts tend to be former players or coaches, and can provide insight into what the coaches or players might be thinking or feeling.
Sideline reporters give up-to-the-minute updates on the action on the field, typically through interviews with coaches and players during the game.
Referees for Colts vs. Texans:
Brad Allen (Head Referee)
- Duane Heydt: Umpire
- Sarah Thomas: Down Judge
- Walter Flowers: Line Judge
- Rick Patterson: Field Judge
- Chad Hill: Side Judge
- Tyree Walton: Back Judge
The head referee oversees the other referees on the field during the game, and has the final say on play calling. While the umpire, down judge, line judge, field judge, side judge, and back judge are positioned throughout the field and make calls, the final say on what the play call will be is made by the head referee.
Allen began his career in 2014, but previously officiated at the high school and college level. He called the 2007 Motor City Bowl, the 2009 International Bowl, the 2012 Rose Bowl, and the 2014 Sugar Bowl. Allen was named a referee in his first year with the NFL, something that hadn't happened in decades. Allen's crew was downgraded in the 2023 season after making a series of questionable and controversial calls, and were not permitted to officiate during the playoffs.