Herbstreit will call the OU-Texas A&M game

By Mel Bracht

Published: November 3, 2006

Although Kirk Herbstreit is best known for his work as an analyst on ESPN's popular "College GameDay" pregame show, he also loves being a game analyst. Fortunately for him, he doesn't have to choose between the roles.

For ESPN, the former Ohio State quarterback serves as an analyst for the Thursday night games and teams with Chris Fowler and Lee Corso on "College GameDay."

For ABC, he works with Brent Musburger, former Notre Dame coach Bob Davie and Lisa Salters on the new Saturday night broadcasts.

"I like do both equally well," Herbstreit said. "I really enjoy doing ‘GameDay.' I love working with Chris and Lee and covering all the games and all the stories across the whole country. The show just keeps growing in popularity.

"When I get in a booth and when I get a chance to do a game, I am just in my element. I could not handpick something better to do — you prepare, you talk to the coaches, you know the teams, you get in there and it's just a blast."

The dual roles and a Monday radio show in Columbus, Ohio, keep him busy in the fall.

"I'm not sleeping much, and all those things that go with it logistically make it the tough part," he said, "but I'm incredibly blessed to be doing what I do."

Herbstreit will be doing double-duty Saturday in College Station, Texas, as "GameDay" makes its first appearance at Texas A&M since the OU-Texas A&M game in November 2000. It will be the first time in Herbstreit's 11 years on "GameDay" that he won't work with Fowler, who will host ESPN's Breeders' Cup coverage. Rece Davis will fill in as host.

"We'll miss not having Chris there," Herbstreit said. We'll miss not having that natural chemistry. He's our starting quarterback."

Herbstreit said he is looking forward to calling the OU-Texas A&M game at 7 p.m. for ABC and getting a chance to visit his friend, OU coach Bob Stoops.

"Of all the coaches that I cover, I would put in him with a handful of guys that I have a personal relationship and I consider a friend," Herbstreit said. "When he does well, I'm happy. I'm happy for him because I know him on a personal level. That doesn't mean I can't be objective (on the broadcasts)."

Although Herbstreit is nine years younger than Stoops, 46, they have a lot in common, including a huge passion for college football.

Both are Ohio natives — Stoops grew up in Youngstown, Herbstreit in Centerville. Both starred at Big 10 schools — Stoops at Iowa and Herbstreit at Ohio State. Both have young children — Herbstreit has four sons: 6-year-old twins Jake and Tye; Zach, 3; and Chase, 12 weeks; Stoops has one daughter, Mackenzie, 10; and 7-year-old twins, Isaac and Drake.

Herbsteit's kids appeared on "College GameDay," in September in Columbus before the Penn State-Ohio State game. Of course, they were decked out in Ohio State garb.