Throughout the college football season, we like to follow what some of the national media are saying about the job Ohio State is doing. Even more, we take a look at some of the most popular personalities, and one of those is former OSU quarterback and longtime ESPN analyst, Kirk Herbstreit.
He had a bit of a late start this season, but in years past, Herbstreit provided his weekly opinion rankings on social media. Given he has a great deal of scarlet and gray in his background and he does his best to be impartial, we are interested.
Buy Buckeyes TicketsThe Buckeyes are routinely among the top teams, and it’s no different so far in 2023. So, what does Herbie think of Georgia, Michigan, Texas and Florida State? Where do they fit in according to what he’s seen on the field?
Here’s a look at Kirk Herbstreit’s opinion rankings after Week 3.
No. 7 - Washington Huskies (3-0)
Where things stand
Last Week Result | 41-7 win at Michigan State
Upcoming Game | vs. California
The road ahead
Washington has looked even better than many thought before the season. Michael Penix Jr. is playing like a legitimate Heisman candidate. So far so good, but there will be a tough row to hoe once Pac-12 play begins soon.
No. 6 - Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0)
Where things stand
Last Week Result | 63-10 win vs. Western Kentucky
Upcoming Game | at Notre Dame
The road ahead
The offense has been slow to burn so far in 2023, but it showed some significant signs of life last week now that Kyle McCord has been given the keys to the Lamborghini. A massive test comes this weekend in South Bend followed by a trip to Wisconsin, a hosting of Penn State and, of course, the trip to Michigan down the road.
No. 5 - USC Trojans (3-0)
Where things stand
Last Week Result | Off Week
Upcoming Game | at Arizona State
The road ahead
USC’s offense looks mighty explosive as you would think with Caleb Williams pulling the trigger, but there are questions about the defense that will be put under the microscope against Notre Dame, Washington and Oregon.
No. 4 - Florida State Seminoles (3-0)
Where things stand
Last Week Result | 31-29 win at Boston College
Upcoming Game | at Clemson
The road ahead
The Seminoles are getting a lot of mileage out of the win over LSU. That gave many a reason to give them the benefit of the doubt for a close shave against Boston College last weekend. We’ll know a lot more after a trip to Death Valley this weekend.
No. 3 - Texas Longhorns (3-0)
Where things stand
Last Week Result | 31-10 win vs. Wyoming
Upcoming Game | at Baylor
The road ahead
Texas received extra credit for almost beating Alabama last year, so expect a win over the Crimson Tide to play well all season. However, a tricky trip to Waco is on tap this week, and a huge matchup with Oklahoma down the line. There are land mines on the schedule, but they don’t appear to be as explosive as some of the other top contenders.
No. 2 - Michigan Wolverines (3-0)
Where things stand
Last Week Result | 31-6 win vs. Bowling Green
Upcoming Game | vs. Rutgers
The road ahead
On paper, Michigan is loaded with talent and experience. However, we really don’t know about how some of the new pieces have come together yet because the Wolverines haven’t played anyone in the nonconference schedule. Big Ten play starts this week, but the first real test is likely to come at Penn State on Oct. 11. And yeah, “The Game” looms on Nov. 25.
No. 1 - Georgia Bulldogs (3-0)
Where things stand
Last Week Result | 24-14 win vs. South Carolina
Upcoming Game | vs. UAB
The road ahead
With Tennessee not looking like what it was last season, you have to wonder where Georgia might stumble. Maybe Florida continues to rise, or perhaps the trip to Auburn causes some issues? Bottom line: Expect the Dawgs to be in the thick of the College Football Playoff race again barring a bit of a shocker somewhere.
Kirk Herbstreit's opinion top seven in college football after Week 3
My top 4 after WEEK 3
1-@GeorgiaFootball
2-@UMichFootball
3-@TexasFootball
4-@FSUFootball
Next 2 (3 this week)@uscfb @OhioStateFB @UW_Football— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 18, 2023
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