ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit lashes out at the ‘despicable lunatic fringe’ of Florida State fans over College Football Playoff snub: ‘Alabama is BETTER!’
Addressing what he called “the despicable, crazy Florida State fans,” ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit succinctly explained why the undefeated Seminoles were left out of the College Football Playoff: “Alabama is BETTER!” Period!’
And Herbstreit wasn’t done yet: “Texas too. So is Michigan. It’s the same with Washington. So is Oregon. Just like Georgia.”
Noles supporters were justifiably upset that they were overlooked by the College Football Playoff selection committee, which instead picked Texas and one-loss Alabama despite FSU’s season ending 13-0 with another ACC title. Undefeated Washington and Michigan were also among the four teams.
The selection committee’s decision was complicated by Florida State QB Jordan Travis’ season-ending leg injury and the Seminoles’ strong schedule, or lack thereof.
But according to Herbstreit, coach Mike Norvell’s team simply failed the eye test: “I watch 10-15 games a week live from September to early December. I guess I’m allowed to have an opinion on who I think is the BEST!!’
ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit said he is “a big fan of (Florida State) coach Mike Norvell” (right)
FSU fans during a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies on Oct. 7, 2023, in Tallahassee.
College Football Playoff chairman Boo Corrigan previously explained that Travis’ injury hurt the Seminoles’ CFP resume because the committee is tasked with selecting the top four teams – not necessarily the most deserving ones.
And from Herbstreit’s perspective, FSU can’t compete with Alabama or Texas – especially without Travis.
“If FSU doesn’t like (it doesn’t) the ‘BEST FOUR,’ tell the conference committee members to change the protocol to ‘MOST DELIVERABLE,'” he wrote. “Until then, I and everyone else are certainly allowed to express my opinion in a subjective debate!! If you don’t like it, change it.”
And given Herbstreit’s impressive memory of all things football, he was easily able to provide a counterexample to FSU’s accusations of rigging the College Football Playoff system.
FSU lost to rival Miami in 2000 but was still selected over the U’s in the national title game.
Back in 2000, with the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) deciding, the 11-1 Seminoles were picked to play in the national title game against undefeated Oklahoma, despite FSU losing to Miami that season score 11-1.
The Seminoles ended up embarrassing themselves in the national championship, losing to the Sooners 13–2.
“Funny how FSU beat the U’s (Miami) in 2000 after (Charron) Dorsey and the boys beat the Noles and FSU went instead of a decent Canes team to the BCS Championship where they lost to Oklahoma I. I haven’t heard from all of you that the system is rigged and it’s unfair,” Herbstreit continued. “You were big fans of the turnout back then – of course, most of you among that despicable fringe crowd probably didn’t even know about 2000 when the ‘Noles beat the GREAT Miami team!”
Herbstreit concluded his online rant by reminding the Seminoles fan exactly what he gets paid to do at ESPN.
Herbstreit addressed Florida State fans, whom he called “despicable lunatics.”
Herbstreit spent much of his career working with FSU alumnus Lee Corso (departed in 2002).
“I have to give my opinion on which four teams I think are the best,” he wrote. “I’m not on the committee, I don’t vote, I watch the games, analyze the teams and give my opinion. That’s all.
“And if you think I have a plan or a motive, I’m sorry you think that, but it’s wrong. I love and care deeply about this sport and can’t make everyone happy – I ask questions of the commissioners in the off-season to get a clear understanding of the situation – Watch the games and give my opinion.
“If you are for your team, you love me, and if you are against it, you hate me. I wish it were different, and I hope it will be that way next year with 12 teams,” Herbsteit added, referring to the expanded playoff format. “I’m a huge fan of Coach (Mike) Norvell and his staff and wish the Noles all the best.”
Florida State is scheduled to face defending champion Georgia in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30, and the CFP begins Jan. 1 with the Rose Bowl between Michigan and Alabama, followed by Washington and Texas in the Sugar Bowl.
The winners will compete at the CFP National Championship on January 8th.