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Kirk Herbstreit pushes back against claims of ESPN having SEC bias for CFP
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Kirk Herbstreit is aware of the claims that ESPN has an SEC bias as the College Football Playoff media rights holder. Herbstreit pushed back strongly on those suggestions during a conversation with On3’s Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman.
Herbstreit made it clear that, when it comes to ratings, ESPN is thrilled with the programs that have reached the CFP semifinals.
“We could not have paid for a better final four with Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, and Texas. The only one missing is Michigan. If you could somehow wedge Michigan,” Herbstreit said on Andy & Ari.
“So this idea we want Alabama, Texas A&M, and Auburn. Are you kidding me? If you’re asking us who we want, ‘We’ll take Ohio State every year. Notre Dame every year.’ This is a rating bonanza. So, if you’re going to accuse us of anything, you should accuse of wanting Ohio State, wanting Notre Dame and these big brands.
“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. Ratings are big, massive Big Ten brands. That’s what ratings are.”
.@KirkHerbstreit sets the record straight on ESPN SEC bias:
— On3 (@On3sports) January 7, 2025
"We could not have paid for a better final four with Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, and Texas. The only one missing is Michigan… So this idea we want Alabama, Texas A&M, and Auburn. Are you kidding me?" pic.twitter.com/xbci8PfrrG
Herbstreit is set to be on the call for Friday’s Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes for a shot in the CFP National Championship.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
