ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit voiced sharp criticism of Tennessee’s football program during Saturday night’s game against the Georgia Bulldogs.
Herbie, who doesn’t say anything for attention or shock-value, accused the Volunteers of faking injuries to disrupt the Bulldogs’ offensive rhythm.
Of course, the SEC clash ended with Georgia prevailing 31-17 to get their season back on track.
While Herbstreit praised Georgia quarterback Carson Beck for his stellar performance – completing 25 of 40 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns – he took issue with what he viewed as unsportsmanlike tactics from Tennessee’s defense.
The controversy centered on a play where Tennessee defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott appeared to go down without clear cause.
The incident occurred just after a significant gain for Georgia, which had been moving quickly on offense. Replay footage showed Norman-Lott walking before abruptly dropping to the ground.
“He’s right here and looks to be fine,” Herbstreit observed during the broadcast. “Looking over to the sideline and takes it down.”
Chris Fowler, Herbstreit’s broadcast partner, echoed the sentiment: “When you look at the sidelines before going down, it’s suspicious.”
The moment highlighted a growing trend in college football, where players appear to fake injuries to slow the game’s pace, particularly against high-tempo offenses.
While it’s a practice as old as time, the issue of faking injuries has drawn increased scrutiny in the SEC.
Commissioner Greg Sankey addressed the problem earlier this month, issuing a stern warning to all teams.
“As of this date, it is presumed that every member of your football program – coaches, staff, student-athletes, medical staff, and all others – is aware of and understands this policy,” Sankey said on Nov. 1. “Play football and stop the feigned injury nonsense.”
Despite the commissioner’s directive, the tactic seems to persist in key matchups, as evidenced by Saturday’s ugly incident.
Herbstreit’s comments add to the growing pressure on programs to address the practice, which many see as undermining the integrity of the game.
What are your thoughts on the never-ending issue? … What needs to be done to put a stop to it once and for all???
