Kirk Herbstreit explains why he gives a ‘slight edge’ to one team as No. 1 in the country entering Week 9

Kirk Herbstreit joined ESPN’s SportsCenter to break down the top teams in college football ahead of Week 9. Right now, Herbstreit has two teams separating from the pack a bit, but he gives one of those teams a slight edge as No. 1 overall.

According to Herbstreit, what Tennessee and Ohio State have accomplished stands out. He cited the explosive ability of the Vol offense and the balance of the Buckeyes on both sides of the ball.

“I’ve looked at the Week 1 to right now, and it’s a toss-up for me between Tennessee and Ohio State,” explained Herbstreit. “On the one hand, Tennessee’s been so explosive with Hendon Hooker, they’ve been dynamic. Then Ohio State with high expectations, CJ Stroud and the offensive firepower, their defense with Jim Knowles seem to be getting better every week.

“I think (the Buckeyes) could potentially be the most complete team. Then you throw in Stroud with all the playmakers around him, I give Ohio State the slight edge over Tennessee and Georgia.”

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As for Ohio State, the Buckeyes hit the road for a top-15 matchup with Penn State in Week 9. That will be a true test for Ryan Day’s squad before turning to November.