The statement about dogs being man’s best friend, in no uncertain terms, rings true. The CFB world mourns the loss of Ben, Kirk Herbstreit’s adorable pup after he succumbed to cancer earlier in the week. Fans were familiar with Ben’s wholesome frequenting of GameDay and TNF. Kristen Saban took to Instagram to bring some cheer in the wake of the sadness reverberating amongst the masses.

Kirsten posted a picture of two Corgis dressed up in Alabama and LSU gear, respectively. She captioned it as “My favorite little Gameday nuggets”. This was construed as a fitting homage to Ben, who perhaps would’ve wandered onto the GameDay set if he was still capable and amongst us. Kirsten previously called Ben “America’s favorite Gameday dog”.

As Kirk Herbstreit copes with the loss, fans, too, look to divert their minds elsewhere. The aforementioned Bama vs LSU game will go some way in achieving that, with everything and more on the line in what is easily the game of the weekend. No prizes for guessing who Kristen will be rooting for as she looks towards greener pastures.

Ben was diagnosed with lymphoma and leukaemia earlier this year. Since his debut in November 2021, Ben was a mainstay on the GameDay pre-sh0w. Fans around the country had taken a liking to the golden retriever, even giving him the monicker of “wide retriever” due to his almost intrinsic affiliation to the sport as Kirk Herbstreit’s long-time companion. Herbstreit hails Ben as his support system during a tough time in his life.

Last year, Herbstreit’s son was hospitalised and batting a heart condition. This was when he began taking Ben on the road to accompany him. Ben brought a certain stability to Kirk while he was fulfilling his duties around the country. Kirsten Saban and others took very fondly to their relationship exuding through on air. Now, Herbstreit prepares for the biggest show of the season in his absence. However, there is a silver lining amidst the heartbreaking circumstances.

GameDay audiences treated to a new member on the biggest show of the season

There is only one place for College GameDay this Saturday. All roads lead to Tiger Stadium as it prepares to host the latest iteration of the “Saban Bowl”. The LSU Tigers (6-2) take on the Alabama Crimson Tide (6-2) in what is billed as a “Loser goes home” matchup. Both teams have won 9 National championships between them since the turn of the century. Lose this one and wave your hopes to add to that goodbye. In a heartwarming turn of events, Herbstreit’s other dog, Peter, is strutting along his paws on the GameDay set.

Hardcore CFB fans who keep tabs on this kind of stuff are well familiar with Peter. The younger of the two, Peter’s life in the Herbstreit clan has been well documented through Kirk’s socials. Now, 10-month-old Peter makes his debut in front of a national audience in the wake of the tragedy. Is someone cutting onions?

Catch Peter and the rest of the gang on GameDay as we stand on the precipice of a classic rivalry with massive stakes on the line. Not only for the playoff picture but perhaps for reasons that go beyond. Bama is a slight favourite (-2.5) away in Baton Rouge, and Brian Kelly will not take the oddsmakers’ disrespect lightly.