Here's a shot:
Tier 1 (in order): Alabama (11), ND (8), OU (7), USC (7)
Notes: All 4 have charisma and production over time.
Though social significance has lost its impact, it was a major factor in the initial passion driving the first 3 programs. Alabama represented the despised South in the 20s and 30s, its glory beginning just 60 years after the end of the Civil War; then a beleaguered state and region in the 60s; then an integrating South in the 70s. It was considered a social icon representing the South, even by the NYTimes, til ~20-30 years ago. ND represented the shunned Catholics from its inception. Though much less important to OU, they felt an association with the "lowly" Indian (yes, I've heard some mention this even to this day). USC had no serious social component, but has had the glamour of Hollywood.
Tier 2: OSU (6), UTx (4), Mich (2)
Notes: OSU belongs with tier 1 as far as production, but like OU, did little til the 40s. Sorry B1GTide, but OSU has a dull Midwestern pallor to it :smile:. UTx has charisma, but the top of the line production is not there. Mich has been consistently very good, but little done in the clutch, and seems like a plodder. The primary reasons they are here is because of their very early 20th century success and that they are the leader in wins.
Tier 3: Neb (5)
Notes: IMO, Neb is barely clinging to blueblood status. Even when Neb was great it had the charisma of an anvil. But it did have a couple of great and dominant periods (70-71, 94-97), however brief. Of course they have been consistently very good over most of their history, though not great. Their style of play was usually not exciting - they abused you with a cudgel.
Note: The number in parenthesis is the number of NCs based on winning either the AP or UP/Coaches poll in a year. They began in 1936 and 1950 respectively.
I assume everyone agrees with this categorization, so I guess there's not much need of discussion .
Tier 1 (in order): Alabama (11), ND (8), OU (7), USC (7)
Notes: All 4 have charisma and production over time.
Though social significance has lost its impact, it was a major factor in the initial passion driving the first 3 programs. Alabama represented the despised South in the 20s and 30s, its glory beginning just 60 years after the end of the Civil War; then a beleaguered state and region in the 60s; then an integrating South in the 70s. It was considered a social icon representing the South, even by the NYTimes, til ~20-30 years ago. ND represented the shunned Catholics from its inception. Though much less important to OU, they felt an association with the "lowly" Indian (yes, I've heard some mention this even to this day). USC had no serious social component, but has had the glamour of Hollywood.
Tier 2: OSU (6), UTx (4), Mich (2)
Notes: OSU belongs with tier 1 as far as production, but like OU, did little til the 40s. Sorry B1GTide, but OSU has a dull Midwestern pallor to it :smile:. UTx has charisma, but the top of the line production is not there. Mich has been consistently very good, but little done in the clutch, and seems like a plodder. The primary reasons they are here is because of their very early 20th century success and that they are the leader in wins.
Tier 3: Neb (5)
Notes: IMO, Neb is barely clinging to blueblood status. Even when Neb was great it had the charisma of an anvil. But it did have a couple of great and dominant periods (70-71, 94-97), however brief. Of course they have been consistently very good over most of their history, though not great. Their style of play was usually not exciting - they abused you with a cudgel.
Note: The number in parenthesis is the number of NCs based on winning either the AP or UP/Coaches poll in a year. They began in 1936 and 1950 respectively.
I assume everyone agrees with this categorization, so I guess there's not much need of discussion .