Watchdog

On her grueling travel schedule: “Right now I like it like that. But I am going to take a vacation, the first one in four years. I’m turning the big 3-0 in May and me and the girls are going to go to an island and really do it up.’’

On having no experience as an elite athlete: “I started out covering hockey and knew nothing. I was reading ‘Hockey for Dummies’ the night before I got the job. I think it I have an insecurity because I never played or coached. I’m not like Doris Burke. So I try to become friends with the players and coaches. You can call those guys up and just say, ‘Coach Williams, what is your biggest challenge heading into Durham?’’’

On her favorite sport: “I don’t have one. It honestly depends on the time of year.’’

On the attention receives: “It’s very nice. It’s very flattering. It’s changed my lifestyle a bit. I used to be able to tailgate. I can’t do that stuff anymore. I can’t go to a Florida game.’’

On the excitement of being on site for games more than 100 times a year: “The guys from SportsCenter, during big, exciting games, will be texting me saying, ‘No fair.’ They wish they could be out where we are. It’s 2 a.m. and they’re sitting in a studio.’’

On her personality being suited to her reporting job: “I’m a busybody. I love being in the middle of things. The work is the most important thing. It has to be. Lesley Visser a long time ago told me a female’s looks may open the door, but what keeps you there is how much you work. I know what people are saying about me: ‘I don't even listen to her talk. I can put it on mute.’ I know what people are saying. I’m not an idiot.’’

On winning Playboy’s “sexiest sportscaster’’ poll in November: “Well, I didn’t win any cash and prizes. When the poll was going on it was funny because obviously I’m surrounded by men so I have a lot of text messages and phone calls, like, ‘How is the campaign going?’ . . . I am a tomboy. As much as you get dolled up to do the game, the second the game is over I’m in a ponytail and jeans.’’

On Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl calling to apologize for hugging her on national TV: “I was going to beat him to the punch. It was my first time working with him, so I was going to call him.’’

On the expression on her face after Pearl’s hug that many interpreted as shock and horror: “It wasn’t because of what he did, it was, ‘Oh, my gosh, this will be all over the Internet tonight.’’’ (It was.)

On the challenges of halftime interviews: “Halftime interviews have become such an unpredictable thing for me, whether it’s football or basketball. Joe Paterno gave me a forearm shiver in two separate games. I also was laid out by an offensive lineman when I tried to get Mack Brown in a Texas game. That’s my most nerve-wracking time. That’s the time I’m the scared-est.’’

On her family: “I grew up in the industry with my dad [Steve, a TV reporter]. He had two daughters who grew up big tomboys loving sports, watching the Celtics, Red Sox and Packers.’’