Kirk Herbstreit Projects Texas as SEC Champions
Kirk Herbstreit has joined the growing chorus of analysts projecting Texas to emerge as SEC champions this season. The College GameDay analyst also expects the Longhorns to secure a top-four seed heading into the College Football Playoff.
SEC Race Narrowed to Texas and Georgia
Many pundits have narrowed the SEC race to Texas and Georgia, and Herbstreit pointed to the depth and experience on both rosters as reasons for that consensus. He singled out Texas’ coaching continuity and talent across positions as major advantages.
Praise for Freshman Edge Rusher Colin Simmons
Herbstreit reserved particular praise for freshman edge rusher Colin Simmons. Noting Simmons’ knack for pressuring quarterbacks, he said opponents will make a point of tracking him—whether the defensive lineman is listed as No. 11 or No. 1—because of his ability to change the course of a game.
Expectations for Simmons’ Future Performance
The analyst added that Simmons exceeded expectations as a true freshman and projected even greater production after a full offseason refining his technique.