ESPN planned in advance to mention that [Katherine] Webb, an Auburn graduate, is dating [A J] McCarron. But when [Brent] Musburger’s gushing over her went too far, some staffers in the production truck at the stadium “cringed.” Soon after, John Wildhack, ESPN’s executive vice president of production, told Musburger through the announcer’s earpiece that he had to “move on,” according to a person briefed on the conversation.

The network apologized for Musburger’s comments Tuesday.