Kirk Herbstreit, the prominent ESPN college football analyst, is no stranger to the passionate Florida State fan base expressing their opinions on social media. The source of their ire? Herbstreit’s stance in favor of Alabama securing a College Football Playoff spot over the undefeated 13-0 Florida State, particularly following an injury to their quarterback, Jordan Travis.
The backlash from Florida State supporters has been ongoing, and on a recent Sunday, Herbstreit decided he’d had enough. In a social media post, he made it clear that he won’t hold the actions of a “lunatic fringe portion” of FSU fans against the team and their genuine supporters. Herbstreit’s connection with the Seminoles goes back to the early days of Bobby Bowden’s tenure in the early ’80s, and he reaffirmed his respect for the Florida State brand and its rich traditions.
Know matter how hard this lunatic fringe portion of the FSU fan base tries I refuse to hold this against the Noles and their real fans. Been a fan of the
Noles teams since the early days of Bobby Bowden in early 80’s and will continue to respect that brand and its tradition for…— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) February 4, 2024
As someone who devotes an extensive amount of time to watching college football, Herbstreit firmly defended his right to express an opinion. He pointed out that he watches more college football than anyone else in the country and questioned the criticism. In his words, “Wrong for having an opinion after watching more football than anyone else in the country?? I’m not entitled to have an opinion on who the best 4 teams are after watching 10-15 games live a week? So, if I thought FSU was one of the best 4 I’m a ‘genius,’ but since I didn’t I’m a ‘fraud,’ ‘sellout,’ ‘shill’?! Makes total sense you idiot!”
Wrong for having an opinion after watching more football than anyone else in the country?? I’m not entitled to have an opinion on who the best 4 teams are after watching 10-15 games live a week? So, if I thought FSU was one of the best 4 I’m a “genius” but since I didn’t I’m a… https://t.co/nz3Y1lp80O
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) February 4, 2024
It’s worth noting that Florida State’s regular season boasted an impressive 13-0 record. However, their momentum was halted as they suffered a decisive defeat at the hands of Georgia in the Orange Bowl, a game in which many Seminoles players opted to sit out.
Herbstreit’s unapologetic stance and dedication to his role as a college football analyst continue to spark debates and discussions among fans as the NCAAF season unfolds.