SI

Kirk Herbstreit’s Dog Was Having the Best Time on the Field Before Georgia-Ole Miss

Move over, Uga, there’s a new dog in Sanford Stadium.

Patrick Andres

Kirk Herbstreit’s Dog Was Having the Best Time on the Field Before Georgia-Ole Miss
Kirk Herbstreit’s Dog Was Having the Best Time on the Field Before Georgia-Ole Miss /
In this story:

Usually, Uga is the only dog in Sanford Stadium.

Georgia's beloved pooch has been roaming the home sidelines since 1956—posing for photos, starring in movies and generally having free rein.

On Saturday, however, the Bulldogs' mascot wasn't alone.

ESPN color commentator and former Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit brought his dog on to the field before Georgia's showdown with Ole Miss. The furry friend was an instant hit, rolling around and playing with the announcer on the field while players and coach came up to greet him.

Video of Big Ben, Herbstreit's beloved golden retriever, circulated across social media Saturday evening before the game.

It's not the first time Big Ben has gotten star billing on ESPN and its flagship pregame show, College GameDay. In 2021, Herbstreit took Big Ben from GameDay in Cincinnati to Alabama's game against LSU in Tuscaloosa.

Amazingly, Big Ben did not seem in any hurry to sleep—perhaps eager to see if a dog-based team could topple the Rebels.

Published
Patrick Andres
PATRICK ANDRES

Patrick Andres is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in December 2022, having worked for The Blade, Athlon Sports, Fear the Sword and Diamond Digest. Andres has covered everything from zero-attendance Big Ten basketball to a seven-overtime college football game. He is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism with a double major in history .

Home/College