"Wouldn't you rather have this than play Texas State or UTEP?"
That's the question ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit posed late in Texas' 24-23 victory over Ohio State on Saturday night, Sept. 12.
With the outcome still in doubt in the final minutes, Herbstreit used the game to make a broader point about college football scheduling, contrasting the marquee matchup in Austin with lower-profile nonconference games.
The comment echoed a stance Herbstreit took on Sept. 12, when he praised Texas and Ohio State for continuing to schedule each other despite the risks of playing elite opponents. Herbstreit said college football should "celebrate these kinds of games" because they are good for the sport, players and fans.
Saturday's matchup provided the kind
of example Herbstreit was talking about. Texas and Ohio State entered the season with playoff aspirations and delivered a one-score game that was decided in the closing moments.
Herbstreit's remarks touch on a growing debate in college football as programs weigh strength of schedule against playoff positioning. For the longtime ESPN analyst, Texas-Ohio State offered a reminder of why many fans want to see more games between national contenders.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Herbstreit: Why play UTEP when you can get Texas vs. Ohio State?
