Week 5 of college football is here, and the race for the national championship is getting tougher game after game. One of the important events of this week is No. 13 Ole Miss hosting No. 4 LSU. The two programs have a rivalry dating back to 1894, with the Tigers owning the edge historically (64–42–4 record). But this year, both teams come into the clash with a 4-0 streak, looking to cement their status as national championship contenders. On the sidelines, ESPN’s Molly McGrath will cover this age-old rivalry, delivering live updates throughout the game. And just before kickoff, she revealed a surprising part of her game-day routine and reminded viewers of the professional boundaries she maintains while on assignment.

Molly McGrath on Instagram posted a story from Oxford, sharing a behind-the-scenes look at her work on the sidelines. She revealed that during busy broadcasts, when the ESPN production truck can’t spare a cameraman, she improvises by filming her live hits with just a phone and a tripod. “I’m here in Oxford, just did a live hit for SEC Nation, and did a live yesterday for SportsCenter as well. I wanna show you a little bit of TV magic, like peek behind the curtain.” Molly showed her phone on a tripod. “This is how I am doing my live hits on. It’s a phone. I stand here and just talk to the phone. And it’s on national television. It’s kind of crazy.”

Once dialed into the show, she explained, she isn’t able to hear the broadcast through her phone. So she jokingly advised fans not to call her during her work. “I am literally talking to the phone on a tripod. Now you know, TV magic. And that’s why I have my AirPods on. I dialed into the show, and I am unable to hear the show through my phone. So, don’t call me when you see me on TV.”

Molly McGrath joined ESPN in 2016 after working as a sideline reporter for BattleBots and serving as a co-host on College Football Live. Since then, she has become a familiar face in college football coverage, building her reputation through on-field reporting and consistent game updates that continue to keep fans informed today.

Taking a look at the match-up, the Rebels are the +1.5 favorites on the spread, with -120 odds on the money line. This makes the No.4 Tigers slight underdogs in the final odds pick. 

Molly McGrath- A Dedicated Reporter

In Week 3, before the Auburn vs. Oklahoma clash, McGrath had a challenge in adapting to Oklahoma’s heatwaves. The ESPN sideline reporter strategically handled the situation like a stylist, with a game-day outfit that helped her beat the heat. She also shared a picture of herself in a trial room wearing a black tank top with a short gray skirt, moments before the show. 

Between this, let’s not forget her dedication to her job. She was there during the Sugar Bowl game last year, when the terrorist attack took place in New Orleans. No wonder that she is one of the top sideline reporters of the network, along with Holly Rowe and Laura Rutledge. From doing sideline studio work and being a top sideline reporter, her impact is felt in almost every game. 

Between reports, she also keeps her fans engaged through her social media posts and her experience behind the camera. Who’s your favorite sideline reporter for college football? Share your opinion in the comment section below.