After Tennessee’s crushing loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff, many Vols fans might owe ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit an apology. During the weeks leading up to the game, Herbstreit was vocal in his belief that the Volunteers, despite their high ranking, were not as good as many fans thought. His comments were met with backlash from the Tennessee faithful, who felt disrespected by his critiques.
Herbstreit’s criticisms centered around Tennessee’s defense, which he questioned for its inconsistency, especially in big-game situations. While the Volunteers had an explosive offense, he argued that their defense wouldn’t be able to match up against a top-tier team like Ohio State. At the time, fans dismissed his warnings, confident that their team’s high-powered offense would carry them through any challenge.
However, when the Vols faced the Buckeyes in a crucial postseason matchup, it became evident that Herbstreit’s assessment of the Tennessee defense was accurate. Ohio State dominated offensively, exploiting weaknesses in Tennessee’s defense that had been exposed throughout the season. The Vols struggled to stop the Buckeyes’ talented playmakers, and what was once a high-octane offense fell flat under pressure.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that Herbstreit’s foresight wasn’t just an opinion but a truthful analysis. The Vols’ defense failed to make critical stops, allowing Ohio State to build a commanding lead. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s offense, which had been explosive all season, couldn’t keep pace, leaving many fans frustrated and disappointed.
In the aftermath of the game, it’s easy to see why Herbstreit’s perspective on Tennessee’s vulnerabilities was right on target. The loss served as a reminder that a strong offense alone isn’t enough to win at the highest levels of college football. Herbstreit’s warnings about the Vols’ defensive struggles were validated, and many fans now realize that he was right to raise concerns about their team’s overall balance.
Herbstreit, who has a long track record of insightful analysis, didn’t trash Tennessee or dismiss their chances. Instead, he highlighted areas that needed improvement, offering constructive criticism rather than blind negativity. With the Vols’ loss to Ohio State, his analysis has proven to be more prescient than many fans were willing to admit at the time.
In the end, Tennessee fans who were quick to dismiss Herbstreit’s analysis should take a moment to reflect on the game’s outcome. His critiques weren’t attacks on the Vols, but honest observations that could have helped temper expectations and prepared fans for the reality of the matchup. It’s time to admit that Herbstreit’s insights were spot-on, and an apology may be in order for those who doubted him.