If you thought Florida State football fans’ animosity toward Kirk Herbstreit would cool off over the offseason, think again.

ESPN College GameDay was in Dublin, Ireland for the first game of the 2024 college football season between FSU and Georgia Tech. That means thousands of Seminoles fans who made the trip got their chance to speak their minds about the college football analyst and what he’s said about the program since last season.

Just about every time Herbstreit opened his mouth on the popular pregame show, he was greeted to an audible chorus of boos. Every now and then, chants of “f— Kirk Herbstreit” could be heard.

Why are Florida State fans booing Kirk Herbstreit?

Throughout the 2023 season, “Herbie” was among those who didn’t think FSU should be included in the four-team College Football Playoff. That opinion became even more pronounced after the Seminoles lost quarterback Jordan Travis to a leg injury late in the season. Even after FSU finished with a 13-0 record and an ACC championship, Herbstreit was adamant that the Seminoles didn’t belong in the CFP.

There’s another elephant in the room, too. FSU fans and others across conferences have always felt an ESPN bias towards the SEC during the season and CFP selection show. Florida State would get snubbed for one-loss SEC champion Alabama and one-loss Texas, which would join the SEC the following year.

Herbstreit continued to double-down on his opinion and openly argued with FSU fans on social media. Not even his attempt to smooth things over helped when he called on the college football world to applaud the Seminoles for what they accomplished and repeatedly said he had nothing against FSU.

Nick Saban defends Kirk Herbstreit from FSU football fans

Former Alabama coach Nick Saban is a new member of the College GameDay cast this season. He had this to say in defense of Herbstreit:

“I just want Kirk to know I got a thousand phone calls when we got in the playoffs. He didn’t have anything to do with them not getting in the playoffs, and I didn’t either.”

FSU football fans bring signs, shirts to boo Kirk Herbstreit

Here’s a look at some of the social media posts and signs that FSU fans used to show their displeasure at Herbstreit.

How to watch Florida State vs Georgia Tech: Time, TV channel, streaming

Streaming options include Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Contributing: Tallahassee Democrat sports editor Jim Henry and Florida State reporter Peter Holland Jr.

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