ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit started off the holiday season on the wrong foot, calling out the College Football Playoff committee for its Indiana decision.

“I hope next year the committee won’t get caught up in what the social media and a lot of people who are fringe fans get caught up in, which is wins,” Herbstreit said over the weekend. “‘They had 11 wins, they must be good.’ Who did they beat I think is much more important than how many wins you had.”

“Indiana having 11 wins and beating nobody, that doesn’t mean they are one of the 12 best teams. There’s a big difference between ‘deserving’ and ‘best.'”

Kirk Herbstreit will call the Broncos-Chargers game on Thursday night. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

He later came to his senses, apologizing to Indiana fans in a public message on the “Pat McAfee Show.”

“I apologize to you and the Indiana fans,” he said to McAfee. “I had just finished calling that game and I thought about the Friday night game when I was standing on the field and I looked at Indiana and I really wondered, ‘Is this one of the best 12 teams?’ as I’m watching them play.”

Just a few days later, he was still in the giving mood, sharing a photo of his beloved golden retriever, Peter, who has been traveling with Herbstreit following the death of his dog Ben.

“Merry Christmas. Hope you all have a great day!” Herbie said in a post this morning.

Fans couldn’t get enough.

“Thank you for sharing your sweet pups with all of us. I loved watching Ben and now we get to watch Peter. Merry Christmas!!” one person said.

“Merry Christmas Kirk. God bless you, your beautiful dogs and your family,” added another.

“Merry Christmas. Peter looks like he’s about to lead the Christmas choir,” offered a third.

“Merry Christmas! Hope you and Pete have a great day as well!” added another.

Herbie will get a much-deserved break on Christmas before getting back to work for “Thursday Night Football.”