What Does it Take to Win a National Championship

[Chitownhorn]

As a new football season is upon us I thought I'd take a look at some of the characteristics of the last 10 national champions to see if there was a common thread. I looked at 6 statistics, avg rushing yards per game rank (ARYR), avg passing yards per game rank (APYR), avg points allowed APA), avg points allowed rank (APAR), avg points scored APS), and average points scored rank APSR). Okay I know I don't have a life...

So over the last 10 years the national champion had the following statistics -  ARYR 19.9, APYR 50.9, APA 14.34, APAR 8.6, APSR 11.9, APS 39.22.

So what does all this nonsense mean. Well a couple of things stood out.

First the national champion tends to have a more run oriented offense or at least a more efficient running game with an average rushing yards per game rank of 19.9 verse an average passing yards per game rank of 50.9.

Second defense is a major key to winning the whole thing where over the last 10 years only two teams have not been ranked in the top ten in points allowed, Auburn in 2010 (#44) and LSU in 2007 (14). 

Averaging over 40 points a game is not always a good thing. Over the last 10 years only 3 teams have averaged over 40 points per game and won the national championship, FSU 2013 (52.9), Florida 2008 (41.6), and Texas 2005 (50.2).

It will be very interesting to watch the Texas offense take shape and see if they can keep the run oriented balance in the Big 12 that it looks like is needed to win it all. Also can Coach Strong come up with a defense that can stop the spread offense which is currently dominating the Big 12.

Just some random thoughts as I wait for the season to start.

Hook'em

 

[Shannon Kelley]

Fun stats that all have meaning. The most meaningful of all is GREAT defense, and something that was not mentioned,is the proper analysis of your recruiting and the development of the recruits you land. You simply can't have the stats mentioned without really good players that buy into what your teaching, become developed into fundamentally sound players and gel as a team. Chemistry is a funny thing, but it rarely happens without getting the right guys, the right fits for your program and the proper development of each of those guys.

 

[Chitownhorn]

Fun stats that all have meaning. The most meaningful of all is GREAT defense, and something that was not mentioned,is the proper analysis of your recruiting and the development of the recruits you land. You simply can't have the stats mentioned without really good players that buy into what your teaching, become developed into fundamentally sound players and gel as a team. Chemistry is a funny thing, but it rarely happens without getting the right guys, the right fits for your program and the proper development of each of those guys.

I agree 100%. Recruiting is the keystone to every championship team (here's an interesting article about that). 

http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/67490158/best-college-football-recruiting-classes-ever-alabama-usc-texas#!bNcmsm

I think chemistry tends to be under rated and plays a big part in the success of a team but is very hard to quantify. Take a look at the success of the Texas mens basketball team last year after the malcontents all left.