-
-
-
-
-
- CBB Front Page
- Scores
- Teams
-
Conferences
- Players
- Stats
- Standings
- Rankings
- Schedules
- Women's Hoops
-
-
-
-
- Soccer Front Page
-
Leagues
- MLS
- England
- Champions
UEFA Cup- English Champ
Germany- Italy
Spain- France
Netherlands- Scotland
Belgium- Mexico
Copa Lib- Copa Sud
Copa Oro- Copa America
World Cup- FIFA U-20
SI.com college football writer Stewart Mandel shares his commentary, analysis and random tidbits on the latest developments around the country.11/01/2006 02:38:00 PM Herbstreit Gone Wild
The first shots have been fired in what is sure to be no shortage of buildup to the Nov. 18 Michigan-Ohio State game -- but strangely, they weren't uttered by a player, coach or employee of either school. The source? ESPN GameDay analyst and former Buckeyes quarterback Kirk Herbstreit, who, according to the Detroit News, had some none-too-kind words for the Wolverines on his Columbus radio show Wednesday. A couple highlights:
An ex-Ohio State quarterback, ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit feels the Buckeyes will roll over Michigan.Al Tielemans/SI
∙ "I personally don't think [Michigan's] defense, the way Ohio State will spread them out, can just dominate the game and shut Ohio State down."
∙ "If those two teams were to play right now, just the way they're playing, I don't even think it would be close. Ohio State not only wins that game the way they're playing right now, maybe by a few scores."
∙ On Michigan receiver Steve Breaston's role once injured star Mario Manningham returns: "Breaston can go back to whatever he's doing these days, if they could ever find a way to actually apply him in the offense. He's worthless in my mind, outside of returning a few punts."
Care to wager whether some of those comments will be making there way around the Wolverines locker room the next few weeks?
Herbrsteit is the most astute studio analyst on television, bar none. Unlike some of the downright clowns the networks hire to be their talking heads, he actually talks to coaches and players, knows what he's talking about and usually takes a very level-headed approach to his comments -- at least when he's on ESPN.
Unfortunately, he also treads a fine line between his role as an analyst and his status as an OSU icon, particularly in Columbus, where, in addition to hosting a radio show, his voice can be heard on seemingly every other ad on the radio, and where he's lent his name and services to the popular Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA high school football event.
I don't necessarily disagree with most of his comments in that article. Michigan's offense isn't playing very well right now. It's entirely possible the Wolverines' defense won't dominate the Buckeyes' offense. And if he wants to go ahead and predict a Buckeyes blowout, hey, that's his prerogative. His GameDay colleague, Mr. Corso, has certainly made more outrageous picks than that.
But where Herbstreit crossed the line was in calling Breaston "worthless." Don't get me wrong, the Michigan receiver -- who once put up 315 all-purpose yards against Texas in the Rose Bowl -- has been a tremendous disappointment and an apparent non-factor in the Wolverines' offense. But he's also a college athlete. Journalists don't call college athletes "worthless."
I think I can say with absolute certainty that Herbstreit never would have uttered that phrase were he talking about Breaston on GameDay or any other ESPN program. But on a Columbus radio station, with an audience comprised almost entirely of OSU diehards, the Scarlet-and-Gray Herbstreit couldn't help but come out. And now he's going to be in an awkward position for the next three weeks.
If OSU and Michigan do indeed meet as the No. 1 and 2 teams in the country, it will be the biggest regular-season game college football has seen in a decade. As ESPN's top college football analyst, he will undoubtedly be asked on numerous occasions to provide his analysis about the contest. I'm sure he will take careful measures, as he always does, to present himself in an objective manner at all times. But after that rant, how could anyone possibly buy it?posted by Stewart Mandel | View comments |Comments:
Guess this means he won't be calling the game on 18 November.I agree with Kirk. Even though Michigan is ranked #2 right now, from what I've seen from both teams, Michigan would lose by at least 10 points in Columbus.Truth hurts, no other way to say it. What Herbstreit says, people are thinking, so why not say what people think?
Sounds like people are getting too politically correct when it comes to college football.
Go Bucks!He may be right that the offense has been stagnate lately. That will all change once we get our deep threat back. And as far as the smack he has been talking, well that's nothing new. He is so biased towards OSU. How many times has he picked Michigan to lose when it is obvious they were the better team. Keep talking Kirk, the game will be played on the field not on your radio show.He gave his opinion on a Columbus Radio Show. A completely seperate endeavor that College Gameday. Who cares? End of story.While I do not think that Steve Breaston is worthless, I would have to agree with his other comments. Watching OSU play and Michigan play, it is clear to me who would win. Also, I thik that especially on Gameday, Herby plays down his connection to OSU so much so that he is often overly critical of them. All that being said, I live in Ohio just for the recordThanks for calling out Herbstreit on his unprofessional conduct. His comments lacked insight and any level of analytical analysis. His homer-ism really shined through and as a result many college football fans will have lost all respect for him. If he wants to take that position as a pro-OSU ranter, perhaps he should just leave his fat butt back in Columbus and leave ESPN to the big boys who dont have the agenda.herbstreit's wrong
He always talks smack about Michigan. These comments are not at all surprising coming out of that guy's mouth. I will say Michigan's offense has been playing stagnate or conservative which ever term you perfer, but that will all change once Super Mario's back. So keep talking Kirk, but remember the game will be played on the field not on your radio show
# posted by bmc24 @ 1:01 PM 0 commentsHey Stewart...what's the difference in you compiling a list of the worst college football coach's? I don't see to much there, these guys lead their student athletes and need to be looked up to. By the way I read your column often and enjoy it. I just think you are trying to pick a bone here.Stewart, you sound like a sour grape! Were you considered or interviewed by ESPN? Did you turn town the offer, if there was one? I think Kirk Herstreit was honest -- as you agreed -- the way Michigan's offense is playing RIGHT NOW (particuarly without Mario), it does not seem likely they will roll, if these two teams play right now. As to Michigan's defense, I have not heard enough about their secondary, so I will reserve my judgment. But with your deragatory comments on the ESPN commentators and analysts, I really have to question your motivation and perhaps also credit (as someone in LA graded you today in another post -- F, F, and F). Sorry, you just do not make the cut!
(Kalamazoo, MI)I live in Columbus and listen to this show almost daily on my drive home. Herbie was having fun during that segment on HIS radio show ON IN Columbus, where he typically leans more toward OSU because he did play there and the show is broadcast only locally. If Michigan needs to draw motivation from the words of a former Buckeye, they have bigger problems to deal with. I also think the "worthless" comment was directed toward the use of Breaston, and not Breaston himself, who is obviously talented but under utilized.Listening to his show on 1460 The Fan in Columbus it appeared to me that Herbstreit wasn't necessarily calling Breaston "worthless." It appeared to me that he was referring to how he was used in the offense, I really don't think that Herbstreit would go after a college kid in such a manner.I say keep it coming, Kirk. Let's keep hearing how great OSU is. Keep counting Michigan out. It's not going to give Michigan the victory, but the wolverines, particularly under Lloyd Carr, have played their best football when counted out. Look back to week three if you need a recent confirmation of that. Anything that makes OSU overconfident (potentially believing their own hype) and Michigan angry is a good thing.As a Michigan fan, I think Herbstreit is one of if not the best commentators on television (anything to shut up Davie and Musberger please). But I saw this article in the Detroit News and was shocked and disappointed. Any Michigan fan will admit they are disappointed Breaston hasn't become a playmaker like Ted Ginn, but worthless?!? He's a solid punt returner and a great possession receiver. A hard working COLLEGE student deserves better - like an apology. I expect Kirk will do the right thing here.I think he should be removed from the broadcast for that week, due to conflict of interest. At least Bob Griese showed no bias when he broadcast his son Brian's National Championship-winning Rose Bowl until the end of the broadcast, where he cried tears of joy.Herbie said what he felt. As an analyst that is his job. I don't see anything wrong with what he said. From what I read, he wasn't implying that Breaston was a "worthless" person. Just that he was worthless as far as his contributions to UM's offense this year. Frankly, with only 384 rec. yards and no TD's one could see his point. As a buckeye fan, I happen to agree with Herbie's obviously biased comments, but anyway you look at it none of the comments were over the line or malicious.Although I am a Michigan fan and I knew Herbstreit was an OSU quarterback I always respected him and he was one of my favorite people to listen to on the topic...That is until now. I can't say why Breaston is struggling like he is this year, but to call him worthless is just ignorant. With all of the trouble that commentators are getting into this year it seems like they would watch thier tongues a little closer.It's his own radio show! In Columbus! He can say whatever he pleases. This is a lame argument Mandel.You say yourself -- he's the best in the business at what he does, bar none. And one slip-up isn't going to change that. Even the UM faithful that can't stand him because he's a Buckeye will admit that he's a great analyst. And anybody who knows anything about college football will know that it was a former player uttering those words, and won't give it a 2nd thought. You're right, he shouldn't have called Breaston worthless, but to now question his credibility -- that's just a little over the top. Besides, nobody would have heard about it (outside of Ann Arbor and Columbus, that is) had you not just posted it. He'll be fine.Herbie is definitely showing his colors this year. The rest of the season has almost been rendered meaningless by all of ESPN's hype for this game and Herbie is at the fore front. I hope the Big Ten comes up short on the National Championship game this year, just because I have been sickened by the hype. Last year's USC or Texas would have beaten both teams...maybe even by a few scores.I agree with everything, save the comment about Breaston being worthless.Totally classless and disappointing. This is the same guy who claimed UM deserved #2 when they were #5 in the country or something. He is entitled to his personal opinion, but as a public figure also has a responsibility to be more objective.Before Herbstreit calls Steve Breaston "worthless," perhaps he should acknowledge the success, or more appropriately, lack of success of his own college career for tOSU.
Wasn't Herbstreit a one-year tOSU starter who didn't win a bowl game, beat Michigan, or win a Big 10 Championship in his time in Columbus?
While I think Herbstreit is one of the best analysts out there, he went over the line by calling a student-athlete and four-year contributor like Breaston worthless. And as a former student-athlete at Michigan myself, I think he owes Steve Breaston an apology.Stewart, are you telling me you can say with a straight face that Lou Holtz is not the most astute studio analyst on television?Wow. I didnt hear anything about this until now. Did he really call him worthless. It shows you how pathetic people can be. I'm a Michigan fan that lives in Cleveland Ohio. I can understand him picking Ohio State, they have a great team. Also he was the QB there. But to call a player "worthless", thats really pathetic. Also why isnt he considering with Michigans offense two things. A, Mario is hurt, the big playmaker who is I think is one of the top two WR in the NCAA. And B, unlike Ohio State. Maybe Michigan isnt trying to show anything and give anything away this year. Maybe they are playing it smart. No need to blow teams out and give away some plays like Ohio State is doing. A win is a win. But last I remember Michigan went into Norte Dame and put up what 41 points. Maybe Michigan is just playing it smart.What? Does anyone else remember seeing OSU's offense manhandle the Penn State defense? No, and I don't either, because it didn't happen. As I recall, Penn State led OSU for a good while, and might have won had it not been for two nerve-induced interceptions. OSU roll over Michigan? I don't think so.Is there any particular reason that no one seems to believe in free speech and free press any longer?
Who cares what Kirk Herbstreit said on his Columbus radio talk show. He is not a “journalist” when he is doing that radio show. He is there because he was an Ohio State quarterback. Who is going to listen to his show if he says good things about Michigan or their players? What Herbstreit says on Gameday is fair and balanced, intelligent, and generally right on the money. What he says on his talk show is his own business. Herbstreit is a class act. Yeah, when he was in Ann Arbor during his playing days, I joined in with the rest of my 100,000 plus friends and booed him without mercy. But I am not going to crucify the guy just because he spoke his mind on a talk show. He is a class guy. Even if he is a Buckeye.Even as a recent Michigan alum and college football fan, I've always respected Kirk Herbstreit's analysis and opinion (much more than Corso's anyway). I've always thought him levelheaded and fair. I respect his feelings the OSU will destroy UM in November, I mean what OSU fan doesn't think so, but I do vehemently disgree with his calling Steve Breaston worthless. I agree the Breaston's impact for UM this year has been less than spectacular, but calling anyone worthless when you do not know him or her personally is far from classy. Have peoples' expectation gotten to the point where a young man who is lucky and talented enough to play football as a starter for a very well known program to be called worthless? What I do think is worthless is Kirk Herbstreit's analysis and comments concerning the upcoming game. His statements are taking away from a very exciting event and Herbstreit's forgetting that in the end, it's just a game.Way to go Kirk. Thanks for firing up the competition. What were you thinking, dude? My stomach hurts just thinking about the kind of adrenaline this will churn up with the Wolverines. Sheesh man.The "worthless" comment that Kirk Herbstreit made was no more inappropriate or off mark than any comment that brainless Lee Corso has made in his entire broadcasting career. As a sports analyst, tough calls must be made on the worth of a team. Steve Breaston hasn't lived up to the hype that Michigan touted. As a sports figure who has played on national television he is subject to the same scrutiny and criticism that any high profile athlete endures.ESPN had Desmond Howard singing "Hail to the Victors" in the Horseshoe before the Texas game last year, so I think it's actually refreshing to hear Herbsteit speak his mind. Worthless is probably not the right word choice, but with such excitement for the game and in front of fans, everyone (except Tressel) can make mistakes.As an OSU fan I dont even like hearing Herbie say that. Last thing I want is to get Michigan more riled up than he already is. That being said, Breaston is worthless, most overrated player in NCAA, all you hear about is how dangerous he is and he never does anything. Michigans defense is nasty though and well see what Troy and co. can do agaisnt them soon enoughOuch.....what is Herbie thinking? I think Lloyd Carr put him up to this ! Even as a Buckeye fan I can't believe Kirk said these things...not to mention ESPN seems to have high aspirations for Herbstreit, so he needs to be somewhat careful as to what he says and avoid being considered a "homer"...since it is well known he played for OSU. Herbie... dude, what are you thinking?Who cares Mandel? OSU has earned the right to talk a bit of smack. Besides, Herbtreit is simply playing situational roles. When he's in the heart of Buckeye country, why does he have to pretend that he's not biased? Give me a break. And he IS correct about Breaston. In acknowledging the young man's ineffectiveness (is that preferrable nomenclature?), perhaps we can be more positive and translate that as him saying that Breaston has been rendered worthless, not by his lack of ability, but instead by a coaching staff that is less than spectacular relative to the talent it has to work with. Whatever my friend. You know and I know that OSU is going to administer a sado-masochistic beat down to whoever they face this year. Let's just be honest about it and get on with our lives. I know Herbie is.Wow, I cannot believe that Kirk Herbstreit stated something that callous, specially, as you said, about a college athlete. But also being that close-minded and arrogant about his alma mater shows nothing but complete disregard for objectivity. A friend of mine who's a University of Miami fan said that he knew somebody who was at the championship game in 2002 (Jan. '03). He said that his friend told him that as he was leaving the stadium after the heart-wrenching loss, he saw Herbstreit as he was walking out of one of the gates predominantly of Ohio State fans. Herbstreit, upon seeing him, did the blade across the neck gesture. I never believed the story, but now I definitely do. I also agree with you when you said that Herbstreit has always been very objective and fair when discussing football games. I have always had a lot of respect for him as a commentator and as an analyst, but now it is clear that he has a lot of bias. All those times that GameDay had gone to Ohio State games, he must have had the same thoughts circling in his head. I only hope that ABC does not let him work any more Ohio State games, specially the big one on November 18.I agree, this is lame Mandel. I guess you need some stuff to write about. I heard the broadcast and anyone with a brain that listend to it would not take offense.Fine. Herbstreit should not have used "worthless" when describing Breaston, but if UM can't figure out a way to utilize him, what value does he have? I am neither an UM fan, nor tOSU, but I place a heck of a lot more value on what Herbstreit says than I do your drivel.You write a whole article about how bad Herbstreit is for calling Breaston "worthless", yet you say Breaston "has been a tremendous disappointment and an apparent non-factor". Sounds like you gave the dictionary version of the word "worthless", only you denounce Herbstreit for it. Time to quit being a hypocrit.His big weakness as an analyst is that he bends over backwards to prevent any perception of Ohio State bias. Good to see him call it as he truly sees it, right or wrong. Breaston is worthless in the offense because they waste his talent or, if they do try to use him, he drops the ball. Herbsteit callled him worthless as a receiver, not as a person. Don't try to paint it otherwise. Its not politics.Give me a break...It is a game, and people are there to watch and have opinions. Just because you don't like it (or he got the job you wanted) doesn't mean his opinion is valid. Did you actually listen to his comment? Because if you did, you would not be able to spin it as you are trying right now.As an ND fan, I despise both OSU and Michigan. In Big Ten country, i've seen enough of both teams to tell you Hebstreit speaks the truth. And, Steve Breaston IS worthless, from a football standpoint. I'm sure he's a fine person who will have a long and lucrative career in car sales or the food service insdustry, cause it sure as heck won't be in the NFL.Stewart, I am a regular reader, and I have noticed that you struggle to give OSU praise. That said, SO DOES KIRK HERBSTREIT. On several occasions, he has NOT given OSU credit because he DOESN'T want to appear biased. The ONLY time he shows a bias TOWARD OSU is when he is in front of a predominantly Buckeye crowd. Otherwise he is completely objective, if not overcompensating by being biased against them. He was in columbus, trying to please his primary audience and I think this is your lame attempt to take another stab at the Buckeyes in general. I didn't hear the show, but if he called Manningham worthless, you must have taken it out of the context in which he used it. I have never heard him outright insult a player on a personal level. He may have critiqued his use on Michigan's offense this year, but I seriously doubt he meant that Breaston was worthless in any other way.It's no big problem. Nobody pays any attention to Herbstreit, he lost his credability last year when they he and Mark May were crowning USC as the best college team ever...oops except for the 2005 Longhorns!
Don't forget, old "Herbie" picked Miami as the team to beat this year. I'm glad to see that he is still a Buckeye!To be honest, I have seen Kirk be more bias this year with Ohio State being #1. But someone worse than him is Lou Holtz. No matter who the matchup is, you can bet he'll take Notre Dame or South Carolina. It gets a little old.He is a good analyst who was dredging up local interest and fans by use of a wrong minded diparaging comment,He sounded just as bad as John Kerry did.I dont understand how any of you can say its a double digit win by OSU. Sure the UofM might not be as dominant as shown but dont forget, that same UofM team that struggled and was 7-5 last year only lost to Ohio State by 4 points, and Ohio State was obviously the better team. So never jump to conclusions. Its a rivalry game.Im going to defend Michigan here, not that I think they will win, because I think OSU will win in a close game at home.
BUT
a few months back, Herbstreit was at the FSU-Miami game and he said the Hurricanes "are going to the national championship game" and how far off was he on that "prediction?"
So, if he predicts that, Michigan fans should feel alittle better about their chances in Columbus.Kirk is 100% right.
As for Breaston being worthless, I'd agree too - just check the stats all you Wolverines fans. There's a big goose egg in the TD column for the once highly touted Stevie.Think back at the first of the year when everyone was saying our offense was stagnant. Michigan went to Notre Dame and opened up a can of whip as- on them. I hope Ohio State thinks Michigan does'nt have an offense because what happend at Notre Dame will just be a repeat at Ohio State. Michigan 35 West Virginia 14. Michigan National Champs. I will be in arizona for that game.
GO BIG BLUEThis post has been removed by a blog administrator.Stewart, I think you're basically right on concerning Herbsteit's rant. While he generally does maintain journalistic integrity with his analysis of the Wolverines on Gameday (integrity which the ESPN network as a whole lacks almost completely these days), he's shown his true colors on his Columbus radio show. His analysis of the Michigan offense is fair enough, although Manningham's return will surely change things, and Debord may be intentionally going vanilla pre-OSU as he did pre-ND. However, his comments about Breaston were way out of line. Nobody should ever call a college athlete worthless, especially when its not true! Besides making a huge impact on special teams (recall Penn State last year, Iowa this year), Breaston has found his identity in the offense this season after injury plagued sophomore and junior campaigns. He's picked up key first downs in each of Michigan's games since Minnesota. He's not the greatest route-runner, but neither is Ginn, I think both of them have found ways to contribute. As for his comments about Michigan's defense, that's wishful thinking on his part. This Michigan unit is infinitely more talented than OSU's. They will continue to dominate, after all OSU only scored 25 points on last year's team, 14 of those coming the final 7 minutes when Jim Herman again went to his awful prevent scheme. Buckeye fans are delusional, there is no chance they'll win this game, Michigan all the way! (Also, interesting to note that ESPN has conveniently decided not to report this story at all). Go Blue!Not only is Breaston worthless, he has to rely on the first part of his surname to garner any attention.Not only is Breaston worthless, he has to rely on the first part of his surname to garner any attention.I think it's clear that Herbstreit meant that Breaston lacked value in the context of Michigan's offensive philosophy and not that Breaston is a worthless student or human being. You, Stewart, are trying to stir up a tempest in a teapot - this wasn't worth the time it took you to type it. Besides, Herbstreit said this off-the-cuff, probably, on radio; it's not like print journalism where you can write and EDIT before publishing for public consumption.More lame spinning, if a Michigan host said that Troy Smith was worthless they'd be burning more tires in Columbus. He's not a journalist in his role as a host of a radio show? So pray tell what is his role during that show? Idiot? Charlatan? Court Jester? I hope Michigan takes OSU behind the woodshed.pretty pathetic Mandel.. You're the only person who has made this any sort of issue. Herbstreit is one of the best commentators in the game and his reference was towards how Breaston has been utilized, not Breaston the player. You're the one that should issue an apology for misconstruing his words and making a big hull-a-baloo about nothing"He gave his opinion on a Columbus Radio Show. A completely seperate endeavor that College Gameday. Who cares?"
Its kinda hard to maintain an objective appearance when you're saying one thing about your primary rival on Gameday, then turning around calling their players 'worthless' when you think you're only talking to your buddies in Columbus.You can argue about the merit of Herbstreit's comments and what he meant by "worthless," but there are two points made by some of the commenters to this story that are just wrong.
First, it is incredibly foolish to think, as many of the commenters seem to, to think that Herbstreit can say whatever he wants on his radio show without any repercussions for his ESPN job and his image there. It does not matter that he made his comments on a show broadcast only in Columbus with an audience that leans towards OSU. Herbstreit made his comments in a public forum for all to hear and he should be judged on the basis of his public comments no matter his choice of forum.
Second, it is simply ridiculous to criticize Mandel for posting about this topic. The Detroit News already reported it and it is certainly an issue when a leading commentator makes these kind of comments when he has a obvious bias as an alum of OSU. Mandel is just doing his job.As Mandel points out, Herbstreit is usually very astute with his comments. For that reason, I think you have to believe he wasn't calling Breaston, personally, worthless. Read the text - I would imagine he's referring to it more in the sense of - "The way in which Michigan uses him, he is worthless" - i.e. he is being vastly underutilized and is therefore worthless to the team. This sounds more to me like Mandel trying to make something out of nothing. Read the text again - maybe I'm missing something.Herbstreit's comments are yet another example of the "culture of disrespect" (see OSU President Karen Holbrook's apology to Texas fans last year) that exists around Ohio State football. Herbstreit is showing his true colors when he refers to a college student as "worthless". Vile, rude, and disrepectful comments are the common language of much of the Ohio State fan base in Ohio Stadium on any given Saturday.Did I miss something here? Last I checked these athletes place themselves in the public spotlight when they decide to play at a school whose stadium holds more than 100,000 people every week! They should be able to take a little criticism with a grain of salt - especially a veteran like Breaston who will be playing on Sundays a year from now. And who cares what Captain Kirk says on his OWN radio show in Columbus? This is not an unbiased commentator calling something "gay" or encouraging a team's violence and overall thugishness in a brawl - it's a former Buckeye QB making a decidedly biased comment about a Michigan player's effectiveness. I think Mr. Mandel, for as much as I enjoy reading his work, is trying to spark a little controversy leading up to The Game by blowing something completely out of proportion. Herby has every right to say that on his radio show, and Breaston should be able to take honest criticism like the soon-to-be professional that he is. Oh, and GO BUCKS!Great job!!!!!Hey- It's not Mandel's fault the season is boring. The constant trouncing of other teams by the Buckeye's has left little to debate.
Kirk does walk a very fine line, and he failed to walk that line with his comments... but this is Ohio State - Michigan... and in addition to being the best analyst on TV, he is also a Buckeye.Don't worry Kirk, you can be sure after that comment that Breaston will have his best game of the year November 18th! and it will probably fire alot more players up besides breaston. Breaston seems like a great kid and just because he has had a tough year doesnt give anyone the right (especially great announcer) to call the player "worthless" and no he didnt mean his use in the offense is worthless because michigan has tried numerous times to get the ball to him all year...It's sad that a few comments made on a local Columbus, Ohio radio station make national news.
In any case, Herbstreit is right. Based on looking at the recent performances and the vegas odds spreads -- Ohio State will be favored by about 14 points or more.Herbstreit also bashed Michigan fans for leaving early in last weeks game, despite driving rain, cold and 40 mph winds.
Maybe Herbie should worry more about OSU fans first
http://www.dispatch.com/multimedia/multimedia.php?story=dispatch/2006/10/22/2002.html
before bashing M fans.
I hope Breaston has a huge day on 11/18.This is the same astute analyst who picked the Canes to win it all.Are you kidding me? Bob Greasy not biased. He's the biggest Michigan Homer since his buddy Whoa' Nellie retired. I've yet to hear Kirk put down a Michigan team on any of his ESPN broadcasts. And I heard his radio show, the Detroit News needs to find some competent sports writers, because they took his Breaston comment completely out of context. He was not stating that Breaston is worthless, but that the way he's being utilized is worthless. That's a big difference. As for beating Michigan, what's the difference if he makes his prediction on Game Day or on the radio. Corso will pick Michigan and Muskyburger will wear his Nasty Blue tie when he does the broadcast. So, there's the balance. Keep up the good work Stewie.Cut the man some slack, he's an OSU grad (legend) and was speaking on Ohio radio waves. Mike Gohelic constantly makes similar statements on the radio about Notre Dames opponents’ and never gets ripped for it why should Kirk?
Matt in South FlaThe payoff for Michigan fans will be not only seeing the stunned, sullen looks on the faces of 100,000 OSU fans as ABC's cameras pan the stadium near game's end, but the unusually monotone, emotionless, pained commentaries from Herbstreit the rest of the night on ESPN -- not quite in the league of his bawling uncontrollably as he left the playing field for the last time with the knowledge he went 0-4-1 in his career vs Michigan, but a close second.I am a diehard Michigan fan but who cares what Kirk Herstreit says. None of what will be said before the game will matter. It will be decided on the field plain and simple and Steve Breaston will have his chance.Better question - who cares? All you folks who are shocked and dismayed and appalled at Kirk's comments on his own flippin' radio show need to grow up and get over it. The only thing worthless here is all the b!itching and moaning you folks are doing.The real fact of the matter is that Herbstreit exemplifies what most OSU fans really are: classless. To call a college player worthless is downright despicable and shameful. It makes sense though because if anyone knows about being worthless it's Kirk. To illustrate, what NFL team was he drafted by? I rest my case.Way to paint Kirk like a horrible person. Mandel, your a dope. You should take over for him now on GameDay. I am sure everyone would just love you.Maybe Kirk should take a page out Desmond Howard's book of class. It's humility Kirk, get some, but I guess that's not included in the curriculum at Ohio State. Also who has more Heisman trophies, Kirk Herbstreit or Desmond Howard?Different audiences, in different markets, serving different sponsors and expectations generate different behaviors. This is a non-issue! Herbstreit is EXPECTED to let his pro-OSU feelings show up in his reporting on a Columbus radio station. On ESPN, Herbstreit is EXPECTED to be more objective in his analysis and I believe he is (even though I may not agree with some of his analysis on Game Day). He is a guy doing his two jobs, each in the manner in which he should. Mr. Stewart... please don't fall into the trap of instigating a bunch of emotional discussions by posting a brief sentence out of context and condeming it. If you're going to slam him, post the entire transcript of that particular part of the show and display some of the objectivity you're accusing Herbstreit of missing.
(Minneapolis, MN)Unprofessional. He doesn't get paid to be a homer for OSU. I guess he's just trying to offset Musberger.
Both teams claim their victories over suspect "powers" (N.D. and Texas) and aren't as good as their fans think. Who wins this game will be a moot point after the BCS championship game - especially if they play a one-loss SEC team.Breaston is a college athlete, hes a young kid, you don't criticize him like you would an NFL player. Total lack of class and professionalism and this is something I would not expect from him. I like Herbie, but you don't publicly blast a college football player and call him "worthless."Herbstreit, you called the wrong Wolverine worthless. You should have fingered Lloyd Carr, with his worthless, scared, prevent, conservative football philosophy. The man doesn't play to win, he shows up to outlast, as evidenced by the Ball State game. He thought they were going to be a practice scrimmage for Michigan. With a coach who wants to win games rather than with one who merely wants to save games, the Wolverines with their stream of talent would be a Switzer dynasty.
But than all Michigan really wants is money from sellouts, not national championships.
A Michigan fanHerbstreit is a ... oh, the heck with it. How 'bout them Longhorns?So how did Breaston respond the week after Herbstreit's comments? How about 7 receptions, 133 kickoff return yards, 51 yards receiving, 22 punt return yards, and 11 rushing yards, which was together good for 216 all purpose yards. Hardly what I'd call "Worthless". On the season, Breaston is averaging 108.5 all-purpose yards a game (54th in the nation, one spot ahead of Ted Ginn, Jr.), and leads the team with 45 receptions.
True, Breaston hasn't reached the endzone, but that isn't his role on the team. Breaston is the go-to guy on third and long, and has more first down conversions than anyone in the team other than Hart.
Breaston is part of the four-pronged attack that will eat the OSU offense alive on November 18th. First, you have to worry about covering Hart. So, you move your defense in to protect the rush. Suddenly, Henne airs one out to a wide open Manningham. On the next series, you adjust by double-covering Manningham, and Breaston burns you by picking up first downs on screens and short passes. Finally, if you manage to cover all three, Arrington will burn you with the midrange option.
Breaston, as a fifth year senior, knows his role on the team. He struggled in a few game this season, but he knows how to make the big play to get the team good field position when the team needs it. Herbstreit will eat his words when Breaston makes the big play to snap victory from the jaws of defeat on November 18th.Could Auburn get a worse deal than in 2004. iT LOOKS LIKE IT.The Book
Stewart Mandel's first book, Bowls, Polls and Tattered Souls: Tackling the Chaos and Controversy that Reign Over College Football, is available now. Click here to order your discounted copy.CommentsAll user comments must be approved by the moderator before being published. Due to time constraints, comments will only be published for the first several hours following a new post.More MandelRecent Posts
Copyright © 2008 Time Inc.A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.Terms under which this service is provided to you.Read our privacy guidelines.
