Today’s SEC Network launch (6 p.m. ET) begins with the premiere episode of SEC Now, the nationwide network’s news and information show (airing Mondays and Tuesdays at 7 p.m. ET; Thursdays and Fridays at 9 p.m.). With each episode, fans can expect insight from analysts, reports from SEC campuses, previews and highlights.
Here’s Front Row’s handy guide to the team that will be rotating anchoring duties for SEC Now: Dari Nowkhah, Maria Taylor and Peter Burns.
Dari Nowkhah
Past: Nowkhah has been with ESPN since 2004 and the main host on ESPNU since 2011. He has anchored SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight and College Football Live, in addition to various other roles including play-by-play and hosting the weekly Dari and Mel on ESPN Radio (Saturdays, 7 a.m.).
Additional roles on SEC Network: Nowkhah will serve as studio host on Saturdays during the college football season, including SEC Scoreboard on Saturday nights. He will also call play-by-play for men’s basketball and baseball.
In His Own Words
What can fans expect from SEC Now?
“We, as hosts, and our analysts all know how important this conference is to its fans and we plan to deliver them exactly what they expect, plus some.”
Most memorable SEC moment you have experienced?
“The first BCS National Championship game I covered was Alabama versus LSU in New Orleans (2012). It was unreal. Those two teams, SEC rivals, meeting for not just a division or a conference championship but a national championship – in New Orleans of all places – it was awesome. Just awesome. I’ve never been in a stadium so loud. The atmosphere was something I’ll never forget.”
Maria Taylor
Past: Taylor is a University of Georgia graduate and former Bulldog volleyball and basketball player. She Joined ESPN in 2012 as a sideline reporter, working on ESPN2’s weekly Saturday night primetime college football telecast. She was also an analyst on the NCAA Women’s Basketball Selection Show, NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Preview Show and ESPN’s coverage of both the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and Women’s Volleyball National Championship.
Additional roles on SEC Network: Taylor will be the sideline reporter for the lead commentating team of Brent Musburger (play-by-play) and Jesse Palmer (analyst) on SEC Network football telecasts. She will provide analysis on weekly volleyball games and work in studio throughout the basketball season.
In Her Own Words
What can fans expect from SEC Now?
“An all-inclusive look into their favorite traditions, programs, teams and coaches.”
Most memorable SEC moment you have experienced?
“During my volleyball playing days, we defeated Florida my senior season. It was the only time I beat the Gators during my career and it was at home in Athens. What I will always remember, Florida head coach Mary Wise came up to me, shook my hand, and said ‘I knew that one day you would get us. Great match’. It meant a lot to me and it just goes to show the kind of mutual respect that coaches and players throughout the conference have for each other.”
Peter Burns
Past: A Baton Rouge, La. native, Burns has been a sports radio host since 2005. Most recently, he hosted the regionally syndicated The Press Box on Mile High Sports Radio based in Denver, Colo.
Additional roles on SEC Network: Burns also will be a studio host during college football telecasts.
In His Own Words
What can fans expect from SEC Now?
“The same passion and knowledge from their hosts and analysts as they bring to each of their own 14 SEC cities.”
Most memorable SEC moment you have experienced?
“My dad and I landed last-second tickets for LSU versus Loyola Marymount in 1990 in Baton Rouge. LSU had Shaq [Shaquille O’Neal], Stanley Roberts and Chris Jackson. LMU had Hank Gathers and Bo Kimble. It turned out being the most exciting game I have ever seen in person. LSU won 148-141 in OT.”
