Ohio State fans have been vocal in their disappointment after the Buckeyes’ heartbreaking 32-31 loss to the Oregon Ducks last weekend.
However, ESPN college football analyst (and OSU alum) Kirk Herbstreit has had enough of the harsh criticism, particularly aimed at quarterback Will Howard.
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Herbstreit didn’t mince words when addressing a segment of Ohio State’s fanbase that he believes goes too far in their reactions.
“By the way, Will Howard taking (expletive) from Ohio State fans … Again, it’s that vocal 10 to 12, 15-percent, A.J. (Hawk) knows what I’m talking about. They’re an embarrassment to the fanbase,” Herbstreit said.
Herbstreit’s remarks come after a crucial moment in the final stages of Saturday’s game.
With the Buckeyes driving for a last-second field goal, Howard scrambled, but time ran out before the team could spike the ball, leaving no opportunity to attempt the game-winning kick.
That misstep has led to a wave of frustration among fans, but Herbstreit stood by the quarterback’s overall performance.
“Will Howard took off and scrambled there. Time got away from him,” he said. “He’s an amazing kid, who I think played pretty well, considering the environment he played in.
“Will Howard will have another opportunity, another chance to play. I thought so far, he’s doing a really good job of playing quarterback for Ohio State.”
The loss was as painful as can be. However, Herbie is correct in saying that Howard played a hell of a game.
He was 28-of-35 passing for 326 yards, two touchdowns and no picks. He also chipped in a score on the ground. Although stats never tell the full story, the fact of the matter is Howard more than held his own.
Of course, the final play of the game is what most fans will remember most. That’s just the way it goes in the world of big boy football.
Herbie has called this vocal minority of Buckeye fans toxic in the past.
“There’s a standard and then there’s a psychotic standard. And I would say that the 15% that represent Ohio State on social media fall into that category of psychotic,” Herbstreit said last year.
“They’re out of their minds, and what they do is they make high school players not want to play for that program because of how they’re just such jackasses. They drive me crazy with everything that they do.”
Having said that, Herbie’s made it clear that 85-90 percent of Ohio State fans are great and the toxic few shouldn’t ruin things for the reputation of the masses.
What are your thoughts on his comments? … Do you think some fans have been way too harsh on Howard???