The Monday Lineup: SEC Network roles for Maria Taylor announced PLUS: 11 ESPN moments from the weekend
As spring rolls across the South, so too are SEC Network staff, appearing on campuses and in communities throughout the Southeastern Conference to educate fans about the 24/7 SEC-dedicated network set to launch Aug. 14.
This past weekend, SEC Nation host Joe Tessitore and college football analyst Paul Finebaum stopped in Columbia, S.C., both in anticipation of the Gamecocks’ spring football game, and some additional SEC Network news.
Prior to Saturday’s game (televised on ESPNU), it was announced that ESPN sideline reporter Maria Taylor has joined the SEC Network as a studio host, sideline reporter and game analyst for volleyball and women’s basketball.
Taylor interviewed South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier on the field, foreshadowing her new SEC Network role come Aug. 28 when she will be on the sideline for the Gamecocks’ home opener against SEC opponent Texas A&M.
On Friday, Tessitore and SEC Network distribution partner AT&T Uverse set up outside the Russell House on South Carolina’s main campus to greet students, talk football and answer questions about the network.
On Saturday, South Carolina fans were out in full force to see their team one last time before fall.
Fans visiting the FanFest zone outside Williams-Brice Stadium had the opportunity to meet Finebaum, whose daily radio show will be simulcast on the network this fall.
1. Praise and congrats for Maria Taylor
S/O to former SEC #volleyball standout @MariaTaylor7 who just signed a deal to join the @SECNetwork! The @SEC just got better!
— Robert Pulliza (@RobertPulliza) April 13, 2014
2. Frozen Four
Just two guys who love the game: @Buccigross & Barry Melrose pic.twitter.com/IZu2hJmVDE
— Derek Volner (@DerekVolner) April 13, 2014
@espn Y'all need more hockey so Bucci can call more of it. Also, this #FrozenFour game is spectacular.
— Mike Perry (@antiavenger) April 13, 2014
Bucci's play by play energy is exhilarating #FrozenFour #nationalchampionship @Buccigross
— chip (@espIAN_22) April 13, 2014
3.
The NBA Countdown intro is the best pregame show intro in sports history.
— Aaron Brandt (@AaronBrandt) April 13, 2014
4.
NBA Countdown with @BillSimmons and @JalenRose is the best part of my Sunday.
— The General J2H (@TheGeneralJ2H) April 13, 2014
5.
Pat Tillman's death re-examined by ESPN's OTL, more Media Circus – http://t.co/SjOM0nJu0K: Pat Tillman's death … http://t.co/D4oljLkqXs
— Mr futball (@1Mrfutball) April 14, 2014
6.
Love hearing Jeff van Gundy calls games he know the game so well #NBAonABC
— Fr33w33z (@A1_w33z) April 13, 2014
Jeff Van Gundy is one of the most underrated sports announcers of all time . Guy is hilarious
— Bubba (@BubbaGuest) April 13, 2014
7.
John Kruk is one of the best in the business in my opinion. Very entertaining and knowledgable.
— Paul Clancy (@paulsohard22) April 14, 2014
We need a Dan Shulman appreciation night
— Anthony Delahan (@Anthony_Delahan) April 14, 2014
8.
Thank YOU @ShelleyESPN for all of the amazing insight and advice. I hope to learn even more from you in the future. #sportscov #blessed
— Josh Skluzacek (@jskluzzy93) April 11, 2014
9.
Hey @BramESPN I made a mutual friend today @Kurkjian_ESPN pic.twitter.com/CXVuEeu46d
— evva starr (@EvvaStarr) April 12, 2014
10.
You can come. #nodirtfloors. RT @darrenrovell: The 68,000-acre Texas ranch of Oklahoma State booster @boonepickens pic.twitter.com/M6RujfW4ul
— T. Boone Pickens (@boonepickens) April 12, 2014
11.
These old tracks playing in the background on NBA countdown are on point!#classics
— J (@WarnerJerrell) April 13, 2014
Kristen Hudak contributed to this post