When College GameDay set up its broadcast at Boise State, the show’s co‑hosts Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit chose the surging SMU Mustangs to represent the underdog in the upcoming matchup against the 13th‑ranked Wake Forest Demon Deacons. SMU, a Texas‑based program that had recently rattled Virginia Tech with 51 points, seemed a tempting pick for the analysts.
Wake Forest entered the game as a 2.5‑point underdog, but the Demon Deacons quickly proved the odds wrong. By halftime the score read 42‑0, and the final result was a 49‑7 blowout in favor of Wake Forest. The lopsided outcome left McAfee and Herbstreit scrambling to address their misjudgment.
Apology on social media
Both hosts took to their personal social‑media accounts to apologize to Wake Forest fans. McAfee wrote, “We apologize to Wake [Forest]. Wake is real,” while adding, “I don’t know what we were thinking.” Herbstreit echoed the sentiment, placing his arm around McAfee and saying, “Boy, were we wrong.” The brief video apology highlighted the humility of the two broadcasters after a public misstep.
Context for the pick
SMU’s offense has been prolific this season, scoring over 50 points in multiple games, including a 51‑point outburst against Virginia Tech. The Mustangs’ high‑tempo attack has drawn national attention, making them an attractive choice for College GameDay’s weekly “guest picker.” However, Wake Forest’s recent performances have been equally impressive, averaging more than 50 points over its last three contests. The Demon Deacons’ balanced attack and stout defense ultimately overwhelmed SMU.
What the hosts said
In the apology video, McAfee and Herbstreit emphasized that picking winners each week is a difficult task, noting that even seasoned analysts can err. They referenced Steve Young’s perfect record as a guest picker for a BYU visit, underscoring the rarity of flawless selections.
“Sometimes, when you’re wrong, you’re really wrong,” McAfee said, acknowledging the magnitude of the upset. Herbstreit added that the experience was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college football.
Impact on fans and the program
Wake Forest fans celebrated the decisive victory, while SMU supporters were left to regroup after a humbling defeat. The game’s outcome also serves as a reminder that rankings and odds are not guarantees, especially in a sport where momentum can shift dramatically from week to week.
For College GameDay, the incident reinforces the importance of thorough analysis and humility when presenting predictions to a national audience. The hosts’ quick apology demonstrates a commitment to accountability, a value that resonates with viewers who appreciate honesty from their sports commentators.
As the college football season progresses, both SMU and Wake Forest will look to build on their respective performances—SMU aiming to rebound from the loss, and Wake Forest hoping to maintain its dominant run toward the postseason.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
