The Florida State vs. Miami is already hyped up to be one of the best games in the ACC all season, but this yearâs showdown carries an extra layer of drama, not just on the field, but in the broadcast booth.
ABCâs lead college football crew of Kirk Herbstreit, Chris Fowler, and Holly Rowe will call Saturday nightâs rivalry game in Tallahassee. For Herbstreit, it will be his first time back in Tallahassee since his infamous comments during the 2023 College Football Playoff controversy. Â
As Awful Announcing noted, his past comments still have many unforgiving Seminole fans very upset.Â
âYouâre comparing Alabama to Florida State; you have to give Alabama the nod. I think the committee did a great job,â Herbstreit said on the selection show.Â
Months later, Herbstreit even referred to a âlunatic portionâ of the fanbase in the aftermath, sparking more backlash.Â
What Happened in 2023?Â
Florida State finished the 2023 season undefeated with an ACC title, but after quarterback Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending injury, the CFP selection committee left the Seminoles out of the four-team field. Herbstreit not only agreed with the decision, but he doubled down.Â
In 2023, Alabama lost an early-season home matchup to Texas in Week 2 before rattling off 11 straight wins. Alabama had a stronger strength of schedule and a resume with multiple wins against top-25 teams, including a significant victory over then-No. 1 Georgia in the SEC Championship game
The committee viewed Florida State as a different, weaker team after the season-ending injury to their star quarterback, Jordan Travis.Â
Many argued what the point of playing the games were. If a Power Five undefeated conference champion canât get into the playoff, then what even is the point.Â
Many argued they should not have been punished for an injury they could not have controlled. They handled everything that was in front of them on their schedule and there was nothing more FSU could have done.Â
Herbstreitâs words had a profound impact for Seminole Nation, which felt disrespected after running the table only to be left on the outside looking in.
In the months that followed, Herbstreit attempted to smooth things over:
âJust want you to know Iâm sorry we had a disagreement about teams at the end of the year,â he later told fans. âIâve never been a guy that tries to intentionally upset fans wit my comments. Iâve always tried to be very professional and respectful.â
But the apologies didnât erase the anger of FSUâs fanbase.
During ESPNâs broadcast of FSUâs season opener in Dublin against Georgia Tech last year, Seminole fans booed Herbstreit repeatedly. FSU fans havenât forgotten, and heâs expected to hear it again this weekend.Â
The Spotlight Returns
Now, as Florida State and Miami play in a game with massive playoff implications, Herbstreit finds himself back in the spotlight in Tallahassee.
He gets a little bit of a break as College GameDay will be in Tuscaloosa for Alabama-Vanderbilt, but he will still have to face Seminole fans directly in Doak Campbell Stadium.
The Seminoles and Hurricanes enter this matchup with plenty at stake.
For FSU, the game is about keeping playoff hopes alive and silencing doubters after a horrific season in 2024.
For Miami, itâs a chance to spoil their rivalâs season and continue to prove they are one of the best teams in the country.Â
Add in Herbstreitâs return to Tallahassee, and the atmosphere will be as hostile as ever. With primetime lights, playoff pressure, and a bitter rivalry on the line, Saturday night has all the makings of a college football classic.
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