As a top name at ESPN, there was the thought that Herbstreit was rooting for ratings rather than appreciating the seasons of Indiana or SMU.

Things really don't look much different now that expanded 12-team College Football Playoff is down to four teams remaining.

In an appearance with On3Sports' Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman, ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit rejected what he interpreted as many fans' belief that he wanted Alabama in the College Football Playoff. The College GameDay host clearly described the Crimson Tide, stating the team had "no shot" to be in the CFP.

Kirk Herbstreit has been making the rounds a lot lately for his takes on the College Football Playoff. All of the first-round games resulted in blowouts but he zeroed in on Indiana specifically after its 27-17 loss to Notre Dame.

How many times has Alabama football missed the College Football Playoff? Here's everything you need to know about the Crimson Tide playoff history:

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstret wants to set the record straight. Much of the dialogue surrounding the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff has been around the résumés of non-powerhouse programs that earned a spot in the bracket over a few SEC blue bloods,

The College Football Playoff is set to resume this week with the national semifinal matchups, and fans will see four of the nation's best teams battle for a spot in the national championship game. Ohio State is set to take on Texas in the Cotton Bowl,