Blue-Blood Programs in College Football

[greyhammer90]

The term blue bloods was created in the 1980s go differentiate the old programs that dominated the 1940s-1970s, and the new kids on the block (Georgia, Miami, Penn State).

Yes, and that's why IMO it's dumb to say that teams can "move in" or "drop out". Blueblood is a term to describe the eight nationally dominant programs during the 40-50 year period from 1930/40ish to 1980ish. That's all it is.

 

[MNIrishman]

They definitely have stats, no question. But, those are somewhat inflated, imo, because over the past 20 years they have often feasted on a weak Big 10. During that stretch they have not been a better program than Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, or even Florida St. They pile up wins, but they are often embarrassed in matchups against that elite group. OSU has seen its branding explode since Tressel, much of their blue-blood status is based on branding perception, not reality. Prior to Tressel they went 32 years without a National Championship - so I don’t agree at all that they have been consistently great. Also, to me, blue bloods have legendary stories and characters, OSU doesn’t really have that — they have Archie, Woody, a big stadium, and a large nut for a mascot. If they are a blue blood, they are a paper blue-blood.

A quick note on bias, I am an OSU grad and have lived in Columbus for 20 years. Perhaps I have bias, but I have also watched the program fairly closely.

Some legendary games as well. Snow bowl and 2006 game of the century come to mind.

 

[BilboBaggins]

They definitely have stats, no question. But, those are somewhat inflated, imo, because over the past 20 years they have often feasted on a weak Big 10. During that stretch they have not been a better program than Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, or even Florida St. They pile up wins, but they are often embarrassed in matchups against that elite group. OSU has seen its branding explode since Tressel, much of their blue-blood status is based on branding perception, not reality. Prior to Tressel they went 32 years without a National Championship - so I don’t agree at all that they have been consistently great. Also, to me, blue bloods have legendary stories and characters, OSU doesn’t really have that — they have Archie, Woody, a big stadium, and a large nut for a mascot. If they are a blue blood, they are a paper blue-blood.

A quick note on bias, I am an OSU grad and have lived in Columbus for 20 years. Perhaps I have bias, but I have also watched the program fairly closely.

Nah I think you're doing some goal post moving.

I would rank Ohio State below Alabama behind in the last twenty years, and that's it. You aren't knocking Oklahoma for beating up on the Big 12 while Texas was in shambles? Clemson running a train on the ACC? You honestly think Florida State holds a candle to Ohio State's resume from the last 20 years? What has Oklahoma won in that timeframe? Georgia's excellent run has been in a weak SEC East. Turns out elite schools make everyone else look bad.

If youre going to bring up the 32 year gap in titles (and honestly it's 34, the 1970 title is bullshit. I was a huge OSU fan in 2002 and everyone was saying first title since 1968 back then), then you'd have to do the same for Oklahoma, Michigan, and everyone on your list.

I didn't say they've consistently been great. I said they've always been good. There's a difference. They haven't had a lost decade like Notre Dame, USC, Michigan, Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Nebraska have had.

You say blue bloods need legendary figures. Where do they rank for Heismans? Right there with Notre Dame and Oklahoma.

I am also an Ohio State grad, '13. Fuck that football team I hope they lose every game by a million.

 

[OhioIrish]

Nah I think you're doing some goal post moving.

I would rank Ohio State below Alabama behind in the last twenty years, and that's it. You aren't knocking Oklahoma for beating up on the Big 12 while Texas was in shambles? Clemson running a train on the ACC? You honestly think Florida State holds a candle to Ohio State's resume from the last 20 years? What has Oklahoma won in that timeframe? Georgia's excellent run has been in a weak SEC East. Turns out elite schools make everyone else look bad.

If youre going to bring up the 32 year gap in titles (and honestly it's 34, the 1970 title is bullshit. I was a huge OSU fan in 2002 and everyone was saying first title since 1968 back then), then you'd have to do the same for Oklahoma, Michigan, and everyone on your list.

I didn't say they've consistently been great. I said they've always been good. There's a difference. They haven't had a lost decade like Notre Dame, USC, Michigan, Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Nebraska have had.

You say blue bloods need legendary figures. Where do they rank for Heismans? Right there with Notre Dame and Oklahoma.

I am also an Ohio State grad, '13. Fuck that football team I hope they lose every game by a million.

Different strokes for different folks, I can agree to disagree. I just don’t see a program that is at the same level as ND, Oklahoma, or Alabama all-time. And the past twenty years shows why. I’ll put it this way, then let it go — Tim Duncan had consistently great numbers throughout his career and won championships, so did Eli Manning. But, no one compares Duncan to Jordan, LeBron, or Jabbar; and no one compares Eli to Peyton, Brady, or Elway. There is a context to the statistics that matter, at least to me.

All that said, good to know there is another alum who did not get sucked into the Buckeye cult! 😂

 

[IRISHDODGER]

I just do not consider OSU a blue-blood. Too much success is recent and they just lack something that is hard to define . . . it’s just a very Mickey Mouse program. Also, worst fanbase in sports.

I can only speak to my lifetime & in that span, OSU is the one power who has never hired a bad head coach.
Woody Hayes
Earle Bruce
John Cooper
Jim Tressel
Urban Meyer
Everyone of those are or will be CFB HOFers. Three of the five won NC. Bruce & Cooper couldn’t beat Meatchicken which ultimately did them in (that may be Ryan Day’s Achilles Heel, too). They still weren’t bad hires like we’ve seen at other blue bloods: Paul Hackett, Larry Smith (SCum), Gary Gibbs, John Blake, Schnellenberger (OU), John Mackovic, Charlie Strong, David McWilliams, Tom Herman (UT), Mike Dubose, Dennis Franchione, Mike Price, Mike Shula (Bama), Rich Rod, Brady Hoke (scUM).

I think once you incorporate their long history, they are easily a blue blood.

 

[saturdaysarebetter]

I think of all the ways to say it, this is the best

The graphic is incorrect. Penn State has four national championships recognized by the NCAA: 1911, 1912, 1982 and 1986.

FBS Football Championship History | NCAA.com

The complete list of NCAA Football FBS champions from the first season to today.

www.ncaa.com

 

[saturdaysarebetter]

I always think of original aristocracy when it comes to a blue blood.
Penn State won not just one but TWO national championships (in 1911 and 1912):
7 years before Notre Dame won their first one in 1919
13 years before Alabama won their first one in 1925
19 years before USC won their first one in 1931
30 years before Ohio State won their first one in 1942
38 years before Oklahoma won their first one in 1950
39 years before Tennessee won their first one in 1951
51 years before Texas won their first one in 1963
58 years before Nebraska won their first one in 1970.

I also think a blue blood is consistently good through the decades:
Penn State football had multiple 11+ win seasons during the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s, '10s and '20s, a feat Ohio State, Michigan, Nebraska, Alabama, Texas, LSU, Georgia, USC, Notre Dame, Auburn, Clemson, FSU, Florida, Miami, Oklahoma, Tennessee nor Texas A&M can claim.

In terms of all-time wins, Penn State is 7th. In terms of all-time winning percentage, Penn State is ninth.
In terms of bowl win percentage, Penn State is 7th.

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

Didn't Penn St win a championship with Kerry collins and Kajana Carter?

 

[IRISHDODGER]

Didn't Penn St win a championship with Kerry collins and Kajana Carter?

No but they deserved a share of the title in ‘94 when they went undefeated & won the Rose Bowl. Nebraska got the title all to themselves.