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The Ohio State Buckeyes took down Tennessee in the College Football Playoff on Saturday, 42-17. It was maybe the most surprising outcome of the weekend with many viewing the Vols as a threat to pull the upset.
The fans in Ohio Stadium were a talking point leading into the game. No one was truly sure what the crowd would look like at kickoff.
The last week of the regular season played a role in that uncertainty. Ohio State fell to rival Michigan in its season finale despite entering as three-score home favorites. Frustrations were aimed at head coach Ryan Day, who’s now 1-4 against the Wolverines.
Kirk Herbstreit suggested, when the playoff seeding was announced, that playing in the friendly confines of Ohio Stadium would actually be a disadvantage for the Buckeyes. He feared that if struggles seen in that Michigan loss reared their heads again, the fanbase would turn on the team.
“I don’t know if it would have been better for Ohio State to go on the road to get away from their home crowd that’ll be booing after third down, not converting and their punter comes out. Booing Ryan Day.”
-Kirk Herbstreit
Tennessee was rumored to be taking the venue over by buying up resale tickets before the contest. The Vols were well represented, which would only add to the supposed vitriol directed at Ohio State. In the end, it wouldn’t matter.
The Buckeyes dominated from start to finish, racking up a 21-0 first quarter lead before cruising to the win. Ryan Day quieted his critics at least briefly in his final home game of the year.
That didn’t stop Kirk Herbstreit from doubling down on his outlook on his alma mater’s fanbase. During the broadcast, he was heard speaking on the “lunatic fringe” of Buckeyes in a negative light.
“I can’t speak on the lunatic fringe, I don’t know how they operate. The lunatic fringe at Ohio State is as big as anywhere in the country… I’m sure they’ll be happy tonight, but God forbid they lose to Oregon. They’ll want to fire [Day] again.”
-Kirk Herbstreit
In defense of Ryan Day, Kirk Herbstreit took aim at:
– The “lunatic fringe” at Ohio State. “The lunatic fringe at Ohio State is as powerful as anywhere in the country.”
– First Take: “They thought he was done. So I’ll be excited to see what they talk about on Monday.” pic.twitter.com/0Ovs0MBMOd
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 22, 2024
Kirk Herbstreit’s relationship with Ohio State seems strained at the moment. His criticisms of the fanbase have angered many who once cheered him on. Administration might be following those footsteps. Herbie says he was shunned by the university after his son, Chase, committed to Michigan last week.
Herbstreit took aim at OSU fans for their rash reaction to Ryan Day’s struggles against Michigan. He doesn’t believe it’s justified. He doubled down Saturday night. It will be interesting to look back on these comments should the Buckeyes lose to Oregon next round.