Clark Column: FSU Fans Were Right – Herbstreit’s Impact Is Damaging College Football…

For months, Florida State University (FSU) fans have voiced their displeasure with ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, and it turns out, they weren’t just being irrational or overly passionate. After watching his recent commentary and analyzing his influence, it’s clear that Herbstreit’s stance on certain issues is beginning to have a noticeable negative effect on college football. FSU supporters, long criticized for their vocal frustrations, were right all along—this version of Herbstreit is not just misguided; he’s actively undermining the sport.

Herbstreit, widely regarded as one of the premier college football analysts, has built a legacy on being a knowledgeable and outspoken voice in the sport. However, in recent years, his commentary has taken a turn, moving from insightful analysis to an increasingly biased, sometimes contradictory perspective. For FSU fans, his words have felt like a constant barrage, particularly in his treatment of the Seminoles and their place in the College Football Playoff (CFP) race.

In the 2023 season, despite an undefeated record and a strong showing in the ACC Championship, FSU was continually placed under scrutiny by Herbstreit. His remarks, often dismissing the Seminoles’ dominance, focused more on their perceived weaknesses than their undeniable achievements. At the heart of the issue was Herbstreit’s reluctance to give FSU the credit they deserved, particularly in comparison to teams from more “high-profile” conferences or those with star quarterbacks.

It’s not that Herbstreit doesn’t have valid points at times, but it’s his tone and the weight he places on certain factors—like a single injury or perceived style of play—that detract from the bigger picture. When a team is undefeated and has dominated its schedule, the focus should be on their accomplishments, yet Herbstreit seemed to focus more on what was lacking, rather than what was present.

This isn’t just a matter of FSU fans being overly sensitive; this is about the integrity of college football and the criteria used to evaluate teams. College football is a sport full of nuance, and every season is different, but Herbstreit’s approach—relying too heavily on narratives that fit his preferences—hurts the sport’s credibility. By promoting an almost elitist view of which teams belong in the upper echelons of college football, he risks alienating fans and diminishing the excitement that makes the sport so beloved.

Herbstreit’s recent commentary has also failed to capture the true essence of college football. The sport isn’t just about the biggest programs or the flashiest players; it’s about the heart, the passion, and the storylines that unfold over a long, grueling season. By fixating on a narrow set of criteria, Herbstreit has neglected to acknowledge the full picture, and fans are noticing.

For FSU and many other schools outside the traditional powerhouses, this kind of commentary has damaging consequences. Fans are feeling as though their teams are being disregarded simply because they don’t fit the conventional mold. It’s hard enough to compete in the modern college football landscape without feeling like the deck is stacked against you by one of the sport’s most prominent voices.

At the end of the day, college football needs analysts who understand the game in all its complexity, who can appreciate the successes of teams that don’t always fit the typical narrative. Unfortunately, Herbstreit’s recent actions and commentary have done little to foster that kind of balance, leaving fans frustrated and questioning the future direction of the sport. FSU fans were right all along – this version of Herbstreit is indeed bad for college football.