Kirk Herbstreit reveals what Ohio State must do to defeat Georgia

This year’s Ohio State–Georgia matchup in the semi-finals of the College Football Playoff is a rematch nearly 30 years in the making. Back in January of 1993, the two programs faced off in the Citrus Bowl, where the Bulldogs were able to come away with the victory. The quarterback for the Buckeyes on that day was none other than Kirk Herbstreit. But this is a different Ohio State team going up against a different Georgia defense. Recently Herbstreit revealed what his Buckeyes must do to come away victorious this time against the Bulldogs.

“If they can defend the tight ends. Believe it or not, it’d be easy to say CJ Stroud throws for 400 yards,” said Herbstreit. “ But I think it’s how do they physically match up? This is a defense that’s wounded after their game against Michigan. Now they got to go up against Stetson and this offensive line, these backs, these tight ends. And I think the tight ends are the key to the Georgia attack. Not only off play-action, but they do such a good job of moving them around.

“Todd Monken is one of the more underrated offensive coordinators. In his scheme, while in this spread era, he could line up, if he wanted, in 10-personnel, all these receivers. But he does this 12-personnel look with his two tight ends. And sometimes Bowers is a receiver, sometimes he’s a tight end, just a difficult matchup for anybody. And I want to see how Ohio State matches up. If they can slow down the tight end play of Washington and Bowers, I think Ohio State could have a chance to win the game.”

No.4 Ohio State will meet No.1 Georgia in the Peach Bowl, Saturday on New Year’s Eve, at 8 p.m. ET.

Herbstreit responds after being called out by Will Muschamp

Georgia and Ohio State are prepped to face off against one another in the College Football Playoff, playing in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta. Some back and forth has already begun but not between former players. Instead, it’s former Buckeye Kirk Herbstreit and former Bulldog defensive back, Will Muschamp.

Muschamp reflected on the 1993 Citrus Bowl win over Ohio State, where Herbstreit was the opposing quarterback. The now-Georgia co-defensive coordinator said he knew they would win once he saw Herbstreit throw a pass during a pre-game luncheon.

Herbstreit had the opportunity to explain himself, saying he was not throwing a normal football into the crowd. Due to the size and unfamiliarity, Herbstreit had to use a different form and look awkward to a certain degree.

“I do remember it was one of the autographed balls, those white panel balls, and I remember throwing it and not being real happy with how far I had to throw it because I couldn’t grip the ball,” Herbstreit said. “So, I shot putted the ball. That’s about all I remember. But no, I don’t have any comments or reaction at all to what Will said.”