ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit shuts down Desmond Howard’s take about Ohio State’s roster ahead of game vs. Texas. 👇
In a recent segment on ESPN, sports analysts Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard debated the relative strength of Ohio State’s football roster in comparison to Texas’ as both teams prepared for their upcoming showdown.
As the conversation heated up, Howard made bold claims about Ohio State’s roster, particularly suggesting that Texas had a more complete and balanced team heading into the game.
Herbstreit, however, wasn’t convinced by Howard’s analysis and promptly shut down his colleague’s assertions with a combination of experience, data, and his own insights.
Herbstreit’s response underscored his belief in the caliber of Ohio State’s talent, despite some of the critiques being levied by Howard. Howard, known for his colorful commentary and strong opinions, argued that while Ohio State had individual talent, Texas appeared to be more cohesive as a team with fewer gaps in its roster.
He pointed to Texas’ balanced attack and depth, especially on both sides of the ball. However, Herbstreit, with his years of experience in analyzing college football at the highest levels, was quick to respond and refute Howard’s claims.
Kirk Herbstreit’s Counter-Argument
Herbstreit’s response to Howard’s assessment was immediate and pointed. Drawing from his deep knowledge of Ohio State’s program and the current state of their roster, Herbstreit noted that Ohio State’s talent pool was among the deepest in college football, particularly when it came to skill players. He highlighted the Buckeyes’ quarterback room, offensive line, and wide receiver corps, all of which are regarded as elite at the collegiate level.
Herbstreit mentioned that, despite any concerns over specific positions, the overall depth and star power on Ohio State’s roster far exceeded what Texas had on paper.
One of the key elements of Herbstreit’s argument was the sheer number of NFL-caliber players Ohio State had on its roster. With players like Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the top wide receivers in the nation, and a defense filled with high-level recruits, Herbstreit didn’t think it was fair to downplay Ohio State’s roster in favor of Texas’.
He also noted that Ohio State’s program has consistently developed elite talent and sustained a high level of performance, regardless of any individual player departures. In his eyes, that level of consistency made Ohio State’s roster one of the most complete in the country.
Herbstreit went on to point out the distinct differences in recruiting trajectories between the two schools.
He argued that while Texas was on an upward trajectory, Ohio State had been firmly entrenched at the top of college football for the better part of a decade, continuously bringing in top-tier recruiting classes.
Herbstreit emphasized that Ohio State’s system was proven and that the program’s infrastructure — including coaching, facilities, and overall institutional support — allowed them to maintain their elite status year after year.
Desmond Howard’s Point of View
Howard, on the other hand, was not easily swayed.
As a former player who had experienced both high-level college football and the challenges of building a championship-caliber roster, Howard wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo.
His argument for Texas, in particular, centered around the notion that the Longhorns had a more balanced team — one that could rely on both the offense and the defense to carry the load. Howard pointed to the way Texas had managed to recruit both top-tier offensive and defensive players and had crafted a team that he believed would be ready for any challenge.
In terms of talent, Howard conceded that Ohio State was impressive but also noted that, in his view, the Longhorns had fewer holes in their lineup.
He pointed to Texas’ defensive unit, which had improved considerably under head coach Steve Sarkisian’s leadership, and argued that the Longhorns’ ability to control the line of scrimmage would be crucial in their matchup with Ohio State.
Howard seemed to suggest that while Ohio State was undoubtedly talented, their defensive unit might not be as solid as Texas’ — a factor that could give the Longhorns the edge in a high-stakes game.
Herbstreit’s Critique of Howard’s Argument
Herbstreit didn’t let Howard’s critique stand without a rebuttal. He argued that while Texas may have made significant strides in recruiting and developing a more balanced roster, there were still substantial gaps when it came to overall depth and individual talent. He reminded viewers that Ohio State had been able to handle similar challenges from top programs in the past, especially in the big moments. Herbstreit was particularly adamant about the depth of Ohio State’s defensive line, pointing out that they boasted some of the most elite pass rushers in college football. In Herbstreit’s mind, Ohio State’s defensive front seven was more than capable of stifling any offensive attack — including Texas’.
In particular, Herbstreit also challenged Howard’s stance that Texas was the more cohesive unit, citing the fact that Ohio State had been able to remain competitive at the highest levels despite changes in coaching and roster turnover.
He pointed out that the Buckeyes had seen consistent success in both the regular season and the postseason, and a large part of that was due to the strength of their roster from top to bottom.
Herbstreit’s point about Ohio State’s ability to adapt and continue to compete at a high level also revolved around their quarterback play. The Buckeyes had a proven track record of developing quarterbacks, and with a strong starter at the helm, Herbstreit was confident in Ohio State’s ability to dictate the tempo of any game. In comparison, he was not fully sold on Texas’ quarterback situation, which he argued still had some question marks.
Conclusion: A Battle of Perspectives
In the end, the debate between Herbstreit and Howard highlighted the broader discussion surrounding the current state of college football — the balance between individual talent and team cohesion. Both analysts brought valuable points to the table, but Herbstreit’s argument ultimately prevailed, as he emphasized Ohio State’s sustained excellence, depth, and the program’s ability to develop talent year after year.
While Howard made a compelling case for Texas’ rising status, Herbstreit made it clear that Ohio State’s roster was more than capable of taking on any challenge, especially when factoring in their overall depth, elite coaching, and consistent performance in high-pressure situations. In the lead-up to the highly anticipated game between Ohio State and Texas, Herbstreit’s perspective was a reminder of the Buckeyes’ dominance in college football and their standing as one of the top teams in the country.
