Kirk Herbstreit approved of ESPN’s selection for Lee Corso’s final College GameDay.
On Tuesday, ESPN revealed that College GameDay will open the season in Columbus for a Week 1 showdown between Ohio State and Texas. Corso previously announced that he’ll retire after making his last appearance on Aug. 30.
Herbstreit, an Ohio State alum, applauded the choice on social media. The broadcaster seems to believe Corso will also appreciate his final GameDay destination.
“Perfect setting for one last ride!” Herbsreit wrote. “Coach’s ‘First Love’ as he says!!”
Some fans may have wished ESPN chose Corso’s alma mater instead of Herbstreit’s former school. Florida State plays Alabama in Tallahassee on the same day.
However, Corso also has a special link to Ohio State. In 1996, he backed the Buckeyes when making his first of 430 headgear picks.
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Corso has picked Ohio State more than any other program (45). The former coach could wear the Brutus Buckeye head for the 46th and final time if he likes the defending national champion’s chances to defeat Arch Manning’s Texas Longhorns in a seismic Cotton Bowl rematch.
Either way, Corso’s final GameDay will be a bittersweet moment for Herbstreit. The duo has formed a tight bond that’s apparent on and off the air.
While Corso mentored Herbstreit when he joined the show in 1996, the former quarterback has often helped Corso since he suffered a stroke in 2009.
“Coach Corso has had an iconic run in broadcasting, and we’re all lucky to have been around to witness it. He has taught me so much throughout our time together, and he’s been like a second father to me,” Herbstreit said in an ESPN press release earlier this year. “It has been my absolute honor to have the best seat in the house to watch Coach put on that mascot head each week.”
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