Georgia alumna and ESPN reporter Maria Taylor made an appearance on the TNT Halftime Report Thursday to discuss the Bulldogs’ National Championship game with alumnus Ernie Johnson.

Taylor, who graduated from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication in 2009, brought on a baby bulldog named “Roe” for Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith which Shaquille O’Neal held during the segment.

Johnson also graduated from Georgia’s Grady College 1978.

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The Atlanta Dream logo is seen on display on the center court at the Gateway Center Arena before the first-round playoff game between the Atlanta Dream and the Indiana Fever on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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