The No. 2-ranked Miami Hurricanes and Carson Beck rolled their socks against in-state rival Florida State Seminoles in Week 6 of college football. The Hurricanes flexed a 28-3 lead heading into the 4th and finished the game successfully, thwarting any sort of comeback with a 28-22 win. However, according to an FSU insider, the real tea took place off the field, with Kirk Herbstreit throwing another haymaker at Florida State, even after FSU honored Lee Corso pre-game.

Lee Corso is a Florida State alum (1953–56) who starred for the Seminoles as a two-way player (quarterback and defensive back), earning the nickname “Sunshine Scooter.” After a legendary broadcasting career on ESPN’s College GameDay (starting in 1987), he announced his retirement. On October 4, FSU threw some pre-game props and appreciation to Lee Corso, but that didn’t stop Kirk Herbstreit from going at FSU.

Florida State insider Brendan Sonnone hopped onto X to spill the beans from the pre-game stray from Herbstreit: “My buddy (waiting in line to get into the game) says Kirk Herbstreit (on the call) just threw the U up at a bunch of FSU fans booing at him lol.” If what’s said is true, Herbstreit’s feud with FSU has kept elevating to the top since the start of the 2023 postseason.

Significantly, FSU got snubbed for Alabama by the Playoff committee after going undefeated in their regular season and winning the ACC championship. Instead of backing and rooting for FSU, Herbstreit supported the CFP’s decision, citing FSU’s drop in competitiveness after losing Jordan Travis, and threw some shade at them: “You’re comparing Alabama to Florida State, you got to give Alabama the nod.” That didn’t sit well with Seminoles fans, who felt their flawless season got the short end of the stick.

Since then, bad blood has lingered between Herbstreit and the Florida State Seminoles. Thus, FSU fans never miss a chance to heckle Kirk Herbstreit during his College GameDay broadcasts and post online backlash. The American sportscaster has attempted to set the record straight, saying he adores the program, is entitled to speak his mind, and never intended to step on any toes.

By the looks of it, there’s no light at the end of the tunnel for this personal rivalry, and Florida State fans won’t forgive him easily. The situation symbolizes how personal and polarized college football debates can become. But for Lee Corso, it became a moment to savor.

Lee Corso receives Medal of Freedom from Ron DeSantis amid Kirk Herbstreit feud

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis awarded Lee Corso the Governor’s Medal of Freedom. This is one of the highest honors an individual earns in Florida. It’s bestowed upon people who have done remarkable deeds for the state and its people. Flipping pages to explore his upbringing, Corso is a Miami native. He attended Miami Jackson Senior High School and attended Florida State University (FSU) in 1953. The award ceremony occurred right in front of the governor’s mansion. It happened just a few hours before the Florida State-Hurricanes showdown.

Ron DeSantis gave big props to Lee Corso: “For decades, Lee has been an essential part of the college football experience. From his time as the ‘Sunshine Scooter’ at Florida State, to his coaching career, to his iconic headgear picks, Lee has been a fixture of college football. He has devoted his life to the game he loves, and he has made all Floridians proud.”

Corso is now part of a small group of people who have received this honor. Another famous person who earned the medal was Bobby Bowden, the former FSU football coach, in 2021. Former FSU president John Thrasher also received it after he passed away.