The amazing thing about all of this is how different it is being on the field as opposed to watching one of our games on TV.

And when you can see it on a large HD TV, it’s just that much better. I record every game I’m in and sometimes some others too and go through and check things from the production side and the officiating side too. With both ESPN and CBS games going out in HD, the picture is incredible.

Working with CBS I see what all goes on in putting the “show” together and getting it out. When I have time to watch the whole thing and I start the Tivo at the On-Air beginning it is really breathtaking to watch.

Those who think these computer things are a passing fad don’t realize what computing power does in this arena. The graphics and accompanying sounds are nothing short of stunning.

Our keyword when working on the side of it I’m involved in is “flow.” As in a good smooth flow in the show. We have a ton of commercial breaks but those are altered at times to keep the flow right.

For example, we will typically go to commercial after a punt but if there is a run back that takes it inside the opponent’s 35-yard line, the break is aborted to keep from breaking the momentum in the game that the run set up. We’ll just have to get it in at a later point, maybe after a big score in a few plays.

I usually go to the CBS production meeting and at last Friday’s before the LSU at Florida game we had a very interesting “scoop.” These are attended by the producers, the talent (Verne, Gary and Tracy) and all the associates who are responsible for putting out the best show possible.

You remember the story that broke when Ricky Jean-Francois, LSU defensive tackle, said, in so many words, that if they had the chance they would put Gator quarterback Tim Tebow in the hospital. And you well know how that was taken across the SEC and the country. Tracy Wolfson, the sideline reporter, revealed at the meeting that one of LSU’s operations people told her Ricky Jean didn’t make the trip to Florida due to a groin injury from their game with Mississippi State. He told her he wanted CBS to know but to not let it out until just before game time. Gary Danielson was floored because he had worked on the angle of the comments and how it’s the showdown on main street for one of his themes for the game. He was really surprised and mad because of all the work that had been done was just thrown out the window – for a groin injury no less.

The comment was made if ESPN knew that it would be the lead story on Sportscenter and another was made wondering what they’d pay for the tip. Craig Silver, CBS Senior Producer was wondering if New York should know and how to inform them without breaking the trust. He decided to call the VP of CBS Sports later.

Well, it wasn’t me or any of us at the game but the story did get out and the ESPN Game Day crew was telling of it Saturday morning when they mentioned our game, but they didn’t make a big deal out of it. All I do know is it sure wasn’t me.