A portion of college football fans seem to believe that Kirk Herbstreit and others at ESPN are biased towards the SEC and always take up for the league. However, Herbstreit recently took the opportunity to clarify this misconception during a discussion with Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman of On3.
Final Four: A Diverse Lineup
The final four teams in the College Football Playoff are Ohio State, Texas, Notre Dame, and Penn State, with only one of these powerhouse programs hailing from the SEC. According to Herbstreit, the presence of these four teams is fantastic for ESPN. “You know, ESPN loves the SEC so much, that we could not have paid for a better Final 4, with Notre Dame and Ohio State and Penn State and Texas,” he stated.
Ratings Over Regional Bias
Herbstreit emphasized that, contrary to popular belief, ESPN’s preferences lean toward big brands rather than regional biases. “If you’re going to accuse us of anything, you should accuse us of wanting Ohio State, wanting Notre Dame and these big brands,” he said. “If you knew anything about ratings, that’s who you want. You don’t want these small little Clemsons and small little southern schools when it comes to cheering for ratings.”
This perspective raises an interesting question: Why would a network prioritize regional teams when they can showcase larger, more recognizable programs? Ratings are crucial, and big brands like Ohio State and Notre Dame draw in massive audiences.
Herbstreit’s Backlash and Opinions
Despite his clear stance, Herbstreit faced backlash for suggesting that perhaps other teams deserved a playoff spot over Indiana, especially after the Hoosiers were decisively defeated by Notre Dame in the first round of the CFP. But he defended his opinion, stating that strength of schedule should play a significant role in playoff selections. Just because he feels certain teams are more deserving doesn’t indicate a bias toward the SEC.
“Let me straighten the record on one last thing,” Herbstreit said, addressing the accusations head-on. “So like, this idea that we want Alabama and Texas A&M and Auburn, are you kidding me? Like if you’re asking us who we would want, uh, we’ll take Ohio State every year, Notre Dame. Like this is a ratings bonanza.”
What Would Be Best for ESPN?
Herbstreit went on to express that the ideal scenario for ESPN would be a national championship matchup between Ohio State and Notre Dame. “If you get Ohio State-Notre Dame in the national championship, you think we’re going to be like, ‘Doggone it. If we could’ve only gotten a couple of good brands in the championship. Just didn’t work out this year,’” he remarked.
This sentiment underscores the reality of college football broadcasting: the bigger the brand, the bigger the ratings. It’s not just about the teams on the field; it’s about the fans in the stands and the viewers at home.
The SEC Narrative: A Closer Look
The narrative surrounding the SEC often paints it as the dominant conference, but Herbstreit’s comments challenge that notion. He argues that the real draw for ESPN lies in the storied programs of the Big Ten and independent schools like Notre Dame. This perspective invites fans to reconsider what they believe about conference superiority and the factors that truly drive viewership.
In a world where college football is as much about entertainment as it is about competition, the question remains: Are fans more interested in the quality of play, or the brands they recognize and love?
Final Thoughts
As the College Football Playoff progresses, the discussion surrounding bias and brand power will undoubtedly continue. Herbstreit’s insights reveal a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play in college football broadcasting. It’s not merely about loyalty to a conference; it’s about the excitement, the history, and the passion that comes with supporting teams like Ohio State and Notre Dame.
In the end, college football is a tapestry woven from various threads—teams, fans, and networks all play a role in creating the vibrant culture we cherish. So, as we watch the playoffs unfold, let’s celebrate the diversity of teams and the thrilling matchups that lie ahead. After all, isn’t that what college football is all about?
