Kirk Herbstreit, one of the lead college football analysts for ESPN, was in Los Angeles getting ready to work with Brent Musburger on the ABC/ESPN coverage of both the Rose Bowl and the BCS national title game. He took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to talk with me about the issues of the day.
JW » With Texas and Alabama facing off in the title game, are we looking at a defensive battle?
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Herbstreit » At first glance, given the way both teams played in their respective conference championship games, I think it would be fair to say, yes. I mean, Texas coach Mack Brown and Alabama coach Nick Saban have very talented players on defense to be sure, but let’s not forget that Alabama boasts the Heisman Trophy winner in star running back Mark Ingram. They used him very effectively in their victory over Florida. Meanwhile, Texas has a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist in quarterback Colt McCoy and he is the Maxwell Award winner as the nation’s best all-around player. He also won the Walter Camp Player of the Year award. McCoy directs a passing attack that was tied for 14th in the nation with 279.7 yards a game. So while defenses should be strong on both sides of the ball, I like the way either team can strike quickly from anywhere on the field.
JW » So who will win?
Herbstreit » We had an EA Sports “NCAA Football 10” simulated game, with Bama winning, 60-52. I really don’t see that happening, but I do think that the Tide will win in a close game.
JW » You were all over the Urban Meyer story. Will he coach again in 2010?
Herbstreit » I spoke to him about an hour after he first said he was retiring. He was very upset because he just spoke to his team. He seemed clear about his retirement, so I was stunned the following day when he said he was taking a leave of absence. He really has some health issues that he must address. I hope that he really takes the time to learn to balance his family life and coaching. Urban is a very good man and great for college football, so I wish both him and his family all the best.
JW » Will this incident hurt the University of Florida?
Herbstreit » I think that Urban is still very much in charge at Florida and there might be some recruits that are concerned. You can bet that Alabama, Tennessee, FSU and Miami are working the phones, doing their best to put the seeds of doubt in the minds of some of the kids. But Urban is a persuasive man and I think it remains to be seen how this will work out for the Gators.
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this! on washingtonexaminer.com.
