SEC Network is reshaping its Saturday morning lineup this fall. As first reported by Barrett Media, SEC Nation and Marty & McGee will anchor the new schedule.
What We Know: Starting September 5, SEC Nation expands to three hours, opening SEC Network’s Saturday coverage at 9 a.m. ET. Host Matt Barrie, analyst Chase Daniel and reporter Marion Crowder join returning voices Paul Finebaum, Roman Harper and Tim Tebow. Marty Smith and Ryan McGee take on a bigger Nation role before their own show. Marty & McGee shifts from 9am to follow SEC Nation at noon, running through 12:45 p.m.
What They Said: ESPN’s Marty Smith is excited for the shift to noon on Saturday’s (via Barrett Media): “Marty and McGee is moving to noon on Saturdays. That’s a shift from what we’ve been the last few years. Awesome. Our bosses believe [that we’re] going to flourish here. Okay, badass man. Strike the field. Let’s go.”
ESPN’s Ryan McGee (via Barrett Media): “I think I’m third only behind Tim [Tebow] and Paul [Finebaum] when it comes to tenure on SEC Nation. So, I’m really excited to be more involved in the show this year, getting back to my SEC Network roots. I can’t wait to use that noon hour to get out all over campuses. Nothing beats the energy of tailgaters pregaming while watching the early games. I’m gonna mooch so much smoked meat. And on live television!”
ESPN’s Marty Smith on shifting to Noon on Saturday’s on SEC Network (via Barrett Media): “I want to grow where I’m planted. Our bosses have given us these opportunities. And whatever that is, I want to try to dominate that box. Whatever that box is, I want to maximize it. I want to make it grow and bloom and flourish with resonance that far surpasses what I had maybe hoped for.”
What Remains Unclear: SEC Nation hasn’t announced its Week 1 location; that update comes later this month. The release doesn’t specify how expanded Nation duties will affect Smith and McGee’s existing workload.
What It Means: The revamped lineup signals SEC Network’s continued bet on pregame ahead of kickoff going head to head against College GameDay. Extending Nation to three hours gives the network more real estate to build audience before the noon window. Moreover, an expanded role as well for Marty & McGee with Nation creates a longer, connected block leading into afternoon coverage. Meanwhile, #FinebaumFriday’s return and Nation’s on-campus travel plans reinforce a strategy centered on live, on-site college football coverage throughout the season.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.