Kirk Herbstreit’s national championship prediction might be coming just a bit too early. But he knows that, and as we sit coming out of Week 11, there are three undefeated teams and several contenders projected in the 12-team format.
The ESPN analyst joined his colleague Joey Galloway on their Monday morning Nonstop podcast to assess the Playoff race. When asked which teams he’d pick for the title game, Herbstreit named Ohio State and Texas A&M.
Not a surprise considering their respective records, but also there's a ton of football left for both. The two programs have looked sharp but still face tough closing stretches.
“As we sit here Nov. 10, I think those would be the two teams,” Herbstreit said. “I would probably give Ohio State, because of the firepower, the nod there over A&M.”
Herbstreit’s top five of Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, Alabama, and Georgia reflects the current hierarchy, but calling a Buckeyes-Aggies championship pairing in early November feels ambitious.
Both teams remain unbeaten in conference play, yet each faces potential pitfalls before Selection Sunday. The Aggies have a dominant defense, but have yet to face a top-tier passing offense in the Playoff conversation. Texas waits to test Mike Elko's team in the regular season finale. Ohio State still has to get past Michigan in "The Game," and a likely meeting with No. 2 Indiana in what’s shaping up as a Big Ten title game showdown.
While Herbstreit’s pick could easily unravel over the next few weeks. The playoff picture remains crowded, with Ole Miss, Georgia, and Alabama all capable of shaking up the conversation before the dust settles.
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