ESPN College Football Ranking crew debate most talented team in the country

One week from now, the inaugural 2023 College Football Playoff standings will be released. To this point, it’s been the AP and Coaches Poll giving us ranking in the sport but only one set matters when it comes to the national championship debate. Until then, debates as to who the most talented team in the country rage on.

Two teams were brought up on the ESPN College Football Playoff Top 25 Show — the Alabama Crimson Tide and Ohio State Buckeyes. All three of Joey Galloway, Kirk Herbstreit, and David Pollack gave their opinion on the matter, beginning with the former Buckeye.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

As most people are, Galloway was highly complimentary of Ohio State’s offense. The numbers they have been able to put up behind the magic of head coach Ryan Day and quarterback CJ Stroud have been incredible. However, Galloway was critical of two things.

Ohio State’s defense is not comparable to others, from a talent level, according to Galloway. He also called out the Buckeyes’ resume to this point, calling 4-3 Notre Dame their best win.

“I don’t know,” Galloway said. “They’re very talented. And their problem, if you want to call it a problem — just like when you show those highlights — it’s all offense. You didn’t show one defensive player on there. When we talk about Ohio State, especially coming into this season, it was ‘they will be dynamic on offense and we’ll have to see what their defense looks like.’

“Well, their resume being not very good. I think the best win on that resume right now is Notre Dame which turned out to be not a great ball club so far this season. So, we haven’t seen this defense tested the way we thought we would. It’s hard to say on the defensive side if they’re as talented as anybody but offensively, they’re as good as anybody in the country.”

David Pollack believes Alabama is most talented team

Pollack echoed similar thoughts to Galloway about Ohio State, talking highly of the offense while bringing up defensive questions. However, he said thanks to the defense in Columbus, he cannot call the Buckeyes the most talented team in college football.

“I’m right there with you,” Pollack said back to Galloway. “Offensively, easily the most talented offense in the country. Not even close. Showed all those things and didn’t even show Jaxon Smith-Njigba. We didn’t talk about the running back one-two punch, which is dynamic. The quarterback. They got everything offensively. They’re the best team in the country offensively.

“But defensively, that isn’t the case. Here is what I hate. I hate when we do these dad gum questions because if you’re asking me if they’re the most talented team in the country, the answer is no.”

Alabama wound up being Pollack’s answer, despite their ranking in the recent polls. He said thanks to the Crimson Tide’s individual talent, they take home the title of ‘most talented team in college football’ for him.

“The most talented team of individuals is Alabama. And I hate saying that because they’re not even in the top six. Alabama, we talk about them enough. But if you’re asking me to tell you who the most talented team in the country is, I think Alabama is the most talented team.”

Alabama has been ‘exposed’ due to below-standard talent

Alabama being considered the most talented team in the country is nothing new. Nick Saban has dominated the recruiting world for years now and has consistently won with that talent. Even when there is a down year in Tuscaloosa, 10 wins are coming off the schedule.

Kirk Herbstreit decided to compare this season’s Alabama roster to previous years, saying there are a lot of problems at key positions. He named off five different groups, with four coming on the defensive end. Herbstreit thinks this is far from Saban’s most talented team during his long tenure with the Crimson Tide.

“I just called Alabama’s game last week against Mississippi State,” Herbstreit began. “I don’t think this is Nick Saban — even close to the most talented team he’s ever had. I think Jahmyr Gibbs is good. I think there are a couple young receivers that are pretty good but compared to what they have had in the past with that roster.

“Especially at receiver and defensive line and safety and corner and linebacker. They’re always going to be good but I don’t know if they’re superior in that way. I think they’ve been exposed because of that. We’ll see if they can win out to give themselves a shot to prove they are.

Kirk Herbstreit still hopeful for Ohio State defense

Galloway and Pollack brought up questions regarding Ohio State’s defense but Herbstreit had a different sentiment. He thinks the “jury is still out” on defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ group, saying they are still integrating the scheme.

Herbstreit still wants to see the Buckeyes’ defense really be tested and thinks that could begin on Saturday afternoon against Penn State in Happy Valley.

“I think Ohio State is dynamic offensively. The jury is still out for me on their defense. I think anytime you learn a new scheme with Jim Knowles, they seem to be putting the pieces together, learning a new identity each week. Tommy Eichenberg is really asserting himself, becoming the alpha of that front. There’s potential there with some really good defensive linemen and linebackers.

“Keep in mind, their corners haven’t been healthy since camp. I think it’s a wait-and-see for me. We’ll find out Saturday against Penn State if they’re healthy enough and ready to be a complete team when they take on the Nittany Lions on the road.”

While Penn State could be a solid test, we will most likely have to wait until the regular season finale to see Ohio State face a truly elite offense. Michigan will provide the biggest challenge for Day’s program on the defensive end. And for Herbstreit, he will be waiting to see if they can answer the bell.