Kirk Herbstreit updates his top six college football teams after Week 3. Where is Ohio State?

Kirk Herbstreit is the color commentator for the NFL’s “Thursday Night Football” as well as one of the main hosts for ESPN’s “College GameDay.” Though Herbie has dipped his toes into the professional ranks this year, we like to follow what one of the busiest guys in all of football had to say about the college football landscape.

With Week 3 of the college football season complete, Herbstreit released his top six rankings this week, and, honestly, they are a bit odd. Obviously, the former Buckeye quarterback tries to be as objective and non-biased as he can, and that’s all fine and good. But we have something to say.

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Here is the order Herbstreit has with his top four and an additional two knocking on the door after the latest round of games.

6

USC Trojans

Dec. 4, 2021; Berkeley; Southern California tight end Elijah Mojarro (81) celebrates with USC Trojans wide receiver John Jackson III (80) after scoring a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium. John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

What We Say

The USC Trojans at No. 6 seems fair since they haven’t had a real test yet, and there are still a lot of unknowns coming off a pretty rough patch the last couple of years. Things do look better in SoCal so far though, so stay tuned.

5

Oklahoma Sooners

OU defensive lineman Reggie Grimes (14) celebrates during the Sooners’ 45-13 win against UTEP on Saturday in Norman. USA TODAY Sports

What We Say

The Oklahoma Sooners at No. 5 honestly seems too low given the dismantling of Nebraska and their body of work so far. In fact, maybe Oklahoma should be ahead of the next team on the list …

4

Michigan Wolverines

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the offense against the Connecticut Huskies during the first half at Michigan Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. USA TODAY Sports

What We Say

Herbie’s last playoff spot was given to a questionable choice: Michigan. The Wolverines have played three schools that would rank in the bottom 10 of the Football Bowl Subdivision, so it is a bit odd he is giving them this much credit.

3

Ohio State Buckeyes

Sept. 16, 2022; Columbus; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) passes during the Toledo game. Doral Chenoweth/The Columbus Dispatch

What We Say

The former OSU quarterback lists his alma mater as No. 3. Despite the Notre Dame Fighting Irish victory looking less and less impressive, there is no question the Ohio State Buckeyes look legit with stars on offense and a much-improved defense.

2

Alabama Crimson Tide

Sept. 17, 2022; Tuscaloosa; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban talks to quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the second half against the UL Monroe Warhawks at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

What We Say

Herbstreit has the Alabama Crimson Tide at No. 2. It raised an eyebrow for me considering this Alabama team does not have the horses we are accustomed to seeing, based on their struggles against the Texas Longhorns.

 

1

Georgia Bulldogs

Sept. 10, 2022; Athens; Georgia Bulldogs running back Kendall Milton (2) runs the ball against the Samford Bulldogs during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

What We Say

At No. 1, Herbstreit writes in the Georgia Bulldogs. I don’t think anyone would argue against this ranking. Georgia looks like a freight train once again, but with plenty more work to do.

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