Kirk Herbstreit is one of college football’s most recognizable faces, known for his expert analysis, in-depth knowledge, and decades of experience covering the sport. As a former Ohio State quarterback and a prominent ESPN analyst, Herbstreit has developed a reputation for offering insightful commentary, but his recent remarks about a potential playoff matchup between Tennessee and Ohio State have caused a stir among Vols fans. His comments not only downplay Tennessee’s accomplishments but also risk undermining the team’s legitimacy as a playoff contender, sparking backlash and frustration among the Volunteer faithful.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Herbstreit’s controversial take, why it’s problematic for Tennessee fans, and how it inadvertently insults the Vols’ fan base by dismissing their team’s season and successes.
The Controversial Comments
Kirk Herbstreit’s statement that sparked so much controversy came during a segment on ESPN, where he was asked to discuss the possibility of a Tennessee vs. Ohio State matchup in the College Football Playoff. Herbstreit, who is closely tied to Ohio State both professionally and personally, asserted that Ohio State would be a clear favorite in such a matchup, primarily based on their perceived superiority in terms of talent, depth, and historical success. He suggested that Tennessee, while a talented team, might not be “built for the long haul” and that their offensive firepower could be easily contained by a team like Ohio State.
Herbstreit didn’t mince words when he made the comment that, while Tennessee had a great season, they would have a hard time matching up physically against an elite Ohio State defense. This assessment comes despite Tennessee’s remarkable offensive production throughout the season and their breakthrough year under head coach Josh Heupel. While Herbstreit’s comments were undoubtedly made with respect to Ohio State’s pedigree and strength, they sent a clear message to Tennessee fans: despite their achievements, their team might not have what it takes to be considered a legitimate title contender.
Why Tennessee Fans Took It Personally
The Tennessee Volunteer fanbase is known for its passionate support, and after a decade of struggling to return to the upper echelons of college football, the 2023 season was seen as a resurgence. Under Heupel’s leadership, the Vols had made a significant leap, boasting a potent offense led by quarterback Joe Milton, wide receivers like Bru McCoy, and a solid defense. The team’s only significant blemish on the season was a loss to Georgia, the defending national champions, but Tennessee had already scored massive wins over the likes of Alabama and LSU.
The Vols entered the final stretch of the season with an excellent chance to make the College Football Playoff for the first time in years. The belief among Tennessee fans was that their team had worked tirelessly, overcoming adversity and expectations to be considered among the nation’s elite. Herbstreit’s dismissive comments about Tennessee’s chances in a potential playoff matchup against Ohio State felt like an insult to all the hard work the Vols had put in throughout the year.
Moreover, Herbstreit’s ties to Ohio State only fueled the frustration. As an Ohio native and a former Buckeyes player, Herbstreit’s comments could be seen as biased, favoring his alma mater over a team that had proven its mettle on the field. For Tennessee fans, it was easy to interpret his words as a subtle attempt to belittle their program, diminishing their accomplishments while elevating Ohio State’s status as the only team worthy of being considered a national title contender.
The Historical Context of Tennessee’s Resurgence
To fully understand why Herbstreit’s comments are so galling to Tennessee fans, it’s important to look at the historical context. Tennessee has long been one of college football’s most storied programs. With six national championships, 16 conference titles, and a long list of NFL talent, the Volunteers have a rich tradition that many would argue rivals any program in the country.
However, the Vols have been in the midst of a prolonged period of mediocrity since their last national title in 1998. The past decade, in particular, was a struggle, with coaching changes, inconsistent performances, and disappointing seasons. Tennessee fans had grown frustrated with the team’s inability to return to championship-level football, and many wondered if the program would ever recapture its former glory.
Heupel’s arrival brought hope, and the 2023 season represented the pinnacle of that hope—a year where the team could finally show they were back in the conversation as a legitimate contender. The Vols’ success this year was a testament to Heupel’s system, the development of players, and the buy-in from the entire program. For Tennessee fans, hearing an established analyst like Herbstreit dismiss their team as incapable of going toe-to-toe with elite programs like Ohio State was a slap in the face, especially after all the Vols had accomplished.
What Herbstreit Missed About Tennessee
Herbstreit’s analysis of Tennessee’s chances against Ohio State fails to account for several key factors that made the Vols’ 2023 season so impressive and deserving of playoff consideration.
1. Offensive Firepower: Tennessee has one of the most dynamic offenses in college football, and it’s not just a flash in the pan. The Vols have built their attack around an up-tempo, high-energy style of play that has consistently produced points against top-tier defenses. Joe Milton, a quarterback with a cannon for an arm, has shown the ability to stretch the field and put pressure on opposing defenses. With elite receivers and a strong offensive line, Tennessee can score with anyone, including a team like Ohio State.
2. Defensive Improvements: While Tennessee’s defense may not be as flashy as their offense, they have made significant strides in recent years, especially under defensive coordinator Tim Banks. The Vols have a capable and physical defense that is more than capable of holding its own against any offense in the country. Dismissals of Tennessee’s defense as inadequate do not do justice to the unit’s growth and performance throughout the season.
3. Resilience and Mental Toughness: Tennessee has shown remarkable resilience this season, fighting back from setbacks, including a loss to Georgia, to stay in the playoff hunt. This mental toughness and the ability to bounce back in tough situations speak volumes about the character of the team and their readiness for a playoff run.
The Impact on Vols Fans
Herbstreit’s comments don’t just dismiss Tennessee as a playoff contender—they dismiss the years of struggle, frustration, and rebuilding that Vols fans have endured. The Vols’ resurgence is a story of perseverance, and for Tennessee fans, it represents a long-awaited return to national prominence. By undervaluing the team’s achievements and focusing only on perceived weaknesses, Herbstreit’s analysis risks making it seem like Tennessee’s 2023 season was a fluke.
It’s also important to recognize the emotional investment that fans have in their teams. The Vols’ success has been hard-earned, and to have it questioned by someone as influential as Herbstreit strikes at the core of what it means to be a fan of the program. For many Tennessee supporters, this feels like an attack on the heart of their team.
Conclusion
Kirk Herbstreit’s comments regarding a potential Tennessee vs. Ohio State matchup in the College Football Playoff may have been intended as an honest assessment of the two teams’ abilities, but they miss the mark in ways that insult Vols fans. By dismissing Tennessee’s accomplishments and underestimating their chances in a potential playoff battle, Herbstreit diminishes the hard work, growth, and resilience of a program that has spent years clawing back to relevance. For Tennessee fans, this is not just a critique of their team—it’s a dismissal of their pride, passion, and the long-awaited return to national contention.