Look, it would be great for Herbstreit's career to play the role of a former standout and Ohio State insider who maintains objectivity in his assessments of Ohio State and other teams. That is, an uber-expert who rises above deeply-felt passions for Ohio State to share highly informative insights with the sporting public. This is where ESPiN tried to position him.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LP7FSm0t4o"]YouTube - Kirk Herbstreit Ohio State[/ame]
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ptn9VRHqbGo&NR=1"]YouTube - The Ohio State Buckeye College GameDay commercial with Kirk Herbstreit and a bed of roses[/ame]
There was a time when Herbstreit appeared to be on such a trajectory. But then three things happened.
First, ESPiN decided to make attacking Ohio State the focus of their marketing program during that obnoxious attack. Clearly, taking down Andy Geiger and the largest college sports program in the world would send a shudder through every university with whom ESPiN would be negotiating in coming years. There was money to be made. Herbstreit sat there knowing that ESPiN announcers were dredging up allegations that had been investigated by the NCAA already and he had to make a choice. Herbstreit made his choice.
Second, at about the same time, Herbstreit's career as a national sports announcer was gaining traction. No doubt, marketing research showed that he was perceived to be a Buckeye homer. So, Herbstreit began to distance himself from Ohio State at precisely the time all of this was taking place.
Third, as the situation emerged, Herbstreit began attacking Jim Tressel personally. In particular, he ridiculed Ohio State's offensive play calling and questioned Tressel's ability to run his offense or team.
We know this Tressel guy. Even if you don't share his Christian values, it's obvious that he takes them to heart. He places great value on forgiveness and doesn't appear to hold grudges. He is intensely loyal to his players, associates, and university. Consider the way that he has treated Maurice Clarett as an example. If Tressel were to hold a grudge against anyone from that time, wouldn't it be Clarett? Look how he brings former coaches into his fold and honors former players. Can you think of a time when he has not acted in concordance with those values?
We also have had time to form a picture of our former Ohio State quarterback. Suffice it to say that there is no evidence to suggest that he has achieved the career path that I set out in the first paragraph. I am very sorry about that because I really would like to see him achieve that. However, for whatever reason, he has damaged his relations with Ohio State coaches, players, and fans. And, it's hard to suggest that this is because Jim Tressel is holding some kind of a grudge, because we know that just isn't the way he manages his public relations with others.
The most likely explanation is that a formerly well-liked Ohio State quarterback, who never beat TSUN, wishes to be remembered in a way that is unjustified by his modest career accomplishments. If this is the case, then it would be natural that he would resent or even be jealous of the attention given to Terrelle Pryor.
Let's be frank. Pryor surpassed many of Herbstreit's career accomplishments by the time he started his fourth game at Ohio State. He surpassed all of his career accomplishments when he walked onto the field against Minnesota the following year. Herbstreit's highlight reels just don't merit mention in an era of Ohio State quarterbacks like Troy Smith and Terrelle Pryor and it must be especially embarrassing to see the offensive juggernaut in Columbus that is coached by the very man you claimed was incapable of doing so.
I'll say again, as a marketing professional who likes Herbstreit but deplores his behavior, Herbstreit would be very wise to take active steps to mend his relations with Ohio State fans. Trev Alberts was once senior to Herbstreit. Hersbstreit doesn't want Ohio State fans pitching up to GameDay with signs and booing whenever his speaks. As he is well aware, Buckeye fans are everywhere in numbers. I hope he fixes this.
Kirk Herbstreit career accomplishments (4 years, 1 year as starter, link)
197 completions (56.6%)
348 attempts
2437 yards
5 TDS
10 Interceptions
117 rushing attempts
140 rushing yards
QB rating 114.4 (final and
best year 119.7)
Terrelle Pryor freshman year accomplishments (one-half year as starter, link)
100 completions (60.6%)
165 attempts
1311 yards
12 TDS
4 Interceptions
139 rushing attempts
631 rushing yards
QB rating 146.5 (first year,
worst year 128.91, best year 157.88)