College football has seen its share of dynasties. This isn’t about multiple years, rather single-season accomplishments. In this age of 14- and 15-game marathons that start in August and end in mid-January, there is an argument that LSU has completed the greatest season of this era. Or, many eras. While the game is college football, conferences realigning and schedules extending make it almost implausible to come up with an apples to apples measuring stick. Will limit this to teams from that played after 1970.
1971 Nebraska
The Huskers’ defense held opponents to a remarkable 8.2 points per game while scoring an average of 39 per contest. On Thanksgiving Day, the Huskers beat No. 2 Oklahoma 35-31 in a “Game of the Century.” Nebraska then walloped another No. 2, Alabama, 38-6, in the Orange Bowl.
1972 USC
The Trojans went into the year ranked No. 8, strafed No. 4 Arkansas, 31-10 in the opener to become No. 1 and never wavered, closing out the season with three straight wins over ranked teams, including a 42-17 route of No. 3 Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Sox of USC’s 12 wins came over ranked teams.
1974 Oklahoma
Led by a stunning rushing attack, the Sooners won their first championship under Barry Switzer. Oklahoma won every game but one by at least 14 points, and opponents never topped the 14-point mark. The Sooners couldn’t play in a bowl because of probation, but that didn’t stop them from capturing the No. 1 spot in The AP Poll.
1987 Miami
These Hurricanes defeated six ranked teams, including No. 1 Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. The most stirring win came against Florida State, 26-25, after erasing a 19-3 deficit. The offense scored more than 40 points in five of the first seven games. When it came back to reality, the defense took over, allowing 10.4 points per game for the season. The Hurricanes were loaded from quarterback Steve Walsh to wide receivers Michael Irvin and Brett Perriman and defensive players like Russell Maryland and Bennie Blades.
8. 1988 Notre Dame
Notre Dame triumphed 31-30 over Miami in the “Catholics vs. the Convicts” game. That was one of two games decided by less than 10 points. The Irish finished the perfect season with a a 34-21 win over No. 3 West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl.
Nebraska
The Huskers won each game by at least 14 points while scoring at least 35 points in every game and setting an NCAA record by rushing for 7.0 yards per attempt. Nebraska defeated Florida, 62-24, in the Fiesta Bowl for the national championship, a game remembered for Tommie Frazier’s epic 75-yard touchdown run.
2000 Oklahoma
In Bob Stoops’ second season. the Sooners were unstoppable enroute to the National Championship. Led by QB Josh Heupel, the Sooners beat six ranked teams and went 13-0. They smothered Florida State, 13-2, in the Orange Bowl to cap the masterpiece.
2001 Miami
Arguably the greatest talent rosters in college football history. The names are legendary: Willis McGahee, Clinton Portis and Frank Gore as a 3-2-1 backfield. Receivers Andre Johnson and Jeremy Shockey. Offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie. The defense featured Vince Wilfork, Jonathan Vilma, Phillip Buchanan and Ed Reed. They crushed Nebraska, 37-14, in the BCS title game.
USC 2004
The Trojans won their second straight national championship, remaining No. 1 from wire to wire, capping it with a 55-19 pounding of Oklahoma to capture the national championship.
2005 Texas
An undefeated run capped by the thrilling 41-38 victory over USC for the national championship, courtesy of Vince Young, makes the Longhorns a team that must be considered among the elite.
LSU 2019
The Tigers did what no other team has done. They went 15-0 and became the first team to beat each of the top four teams in the preseason AP poll. Average margin of victory: 21.0 PPG, per ESPN Stats and Information. Throw in these gems from Heisman winner Joe Burrow:
You have a strong case for the best college football team in this era. Heck, fans in the Bayou would be willing to say this is the best team in the 150-year history of college football. That could be a slight exaggeration.
