SEC Nation, the SEC Network’s version of College Gameday, has made it’s way to Knoxville for tomorrow’s game vs the Missouri Tigers. Throughout the season, SEC Nation will have visited each SEC stadium.
Set up at Ayers Hall on the University of Tennessee campus, the show will start at 10:00in the morning and run until noon. Host Joe Tessitore is joined weekly by former Florida QB Tim Tebow, former LSU DL Marcus Spears, and radio host Paul Finebaum.
Members of the media…including yours truly had the opportunity to speak with Tessitore, Tebow, and Spears today. Coach Butch Jones also stopped by to film a segment that will air during the show in the morning.
SEC Nation has been a huge success for the SEC Network in it’s first season on the air. A major reason for the success is the chemistry of the cast and the receptions they receive from town to town.
“We have very unique receptions.” Tessitore said. “Because almost everywhere outside of Birmingham, Alabama loathes Paul Finebaum and everybody loves Tim Tebow and then Marcus Spears is about the biggest personality. I don’t know if we have a set big enough to fit Marcus Spears’ personality on it.”
Tebow added, “It’s been a lot of fun. You see us over here chatting and making fun of each other and hanging out. We have a good time.”
They were very complimentary of the UT football program and the direction Butch Jones has them headed in.
“This is one team that people are not really wanting to face at this point.” Spears said. “It’s a mentally. That is a big part of why you need great head coaches.”
Spears also said, “I’m really impressed with Derek Barnett. He’ll be one of those guys we’ll be talking about for the next 2-3 years.”
Undoubtedly, the Vols are starting to turn some heads on a bigger stage. Be sure to catch SEC Nation on the SEC Network at 10 am on the east coast and 9 am central.