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          Kirk Herbstreit's dog, Ben, stole the show in college football

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          Kirk Herbstreit's dog sprawls out in broadcast booth (0:26)

          Kirk Herbstreit's dog, Ben, makes himself comfortable in the broadcast booth as LSU and USC face off. (0:26)

          • Kalan Hooks, ESPNNov 7, 2024, 07:31 PM

          Though massive crowds are always expected for "College GameDay," at least a few of the morning show's audience showed up for a furry staff member.

          ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit's dog, Ben, traveled with the "GameDay" host weekly, bringing his warm presence to college football fans nationwide.

          Ben also embodied courage. In March, he was diagnosed with leukemia, a cancer of blood-forming tissues that reduces the body's ability to fight infection. According to Herbstreit, Ben had to undergo major surgery in July to remove two cancerous masses, on his spleen and intestine.

          Sadly, after his cancer had spread too far to be treated, Ben died on Nov. 7.

          In memory of Ben, here are some of his and Herbstreit's best moments from the 2024 college football season.

          State College, Pennsylvania
          Nov. 2

          Ben didn't make the trip to State College for the top-five matchup between Ohio State and Penn State, but that didn't stop the Nittany Lions from showing their love and support for the golden retriever.

          Penn State made Ben a gift basket that included a bed, treats, toys and a "Very Important Pup" credential.

          College Station, Texas

          Oct. 26

          From Bloomington to College Station, Ben made the trip ahead of top-15 matchup between the LSU Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies and met another good dog -- Reveille X, Texas A&M's mascot.

          Reveille made her way to Ben, who was wearing a press credential, and the two briefly embraced.

          Bloomington, Indiana

          Oct. 26

          There's no way Ben would miss "GameDay's" trip to Indiana University, where Lee Corso spent 10 seasons as head coach, part of the coach's extensive pre-"GameDay" résumé.

          Before the show's festivities kicked off in Bloomington, though, Ben made an appearance on a different show -- "SportsCenter" -- happily ambling around the set. Ben had plenty to do earlier in the morning, as well, including receiving a customized Indiana jersey and meeting up with Washington's Husky mascot.

          Austin, Texas
          Oct. 19

          The golden retriever brought his joy back on the road for Week 8. Ben began his day by getting in spirit for the F1 United States Grand Prix with a plushy race car toy. But with the long day Ben has in Austin -- with No. 5 Georgia taking on top-ranked Texas -- he needed a nap to recharge for the day ahead.

          At the Texas game, after Ben -- the "Golden Retriever Coach" -- received his credential, he wasted no time making new friends, meeting Bevo -- a Texas longhorn steer and the Longhorns' live mascot.

          Eugene, Oregon
          Oct. 12

          Ben couldn't physically make the trip ahead of the Ohio State Buckeyes-Oregon Ducks matchup due to treatment. But Ben's presence was felt with a special care package from the Ducks' mascot.

          Berkeley, California
          Oct. 5

          The California Golden Bears hosted College GameDay for the first time in history, putting Ben on the Pacific time zone. They say the early bird gets the worm, and Ben displayed that perfectly.

          When on site, Ben is always the main attraction and knows how to steal the show. Fans from Cal couldn't get enough of Ben.

          Tuscaloosa, Alabama
          Sept. 28

          From the looks of it, Ben was a fan of the GameDay crew's takes on Lane Kiffin's Ole Miss Rebels heading into their matchup against the Kentucky Wildcats. But Ben receives what he craves when he wants to be pet, even if it's on set.

          Just like the 50-yard line, Ben is the center of attention. To Ben, there is no better feeling than the fresh turf at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

          Watch out, Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide, the real "linebarker" is in the building.

          Norman, Oklahoma
          Sept. 21

          No one does it better than Ben. In preparation to steal the show before the Tennessee Volunteers took on the Oklahoma Sooners, Ben had to test the turf to ensure it was in game shape. Only the best in the business receives those all-access credentials, and Ben is certainly that guy.

          Ann Arbor, Michigan
          Sept. 7

          Who works harder than Ben? No one. Ben was assigned a "working" credential for the Michigan Wolverines' bout against the Texas Longhorns.

          Las Vegas
          Sept. 1

          The LSU Tigers and USC Trojans set high expectations for the college football season. Ben, however, set an even higher bar with his appearance during the pregame show.