The world of college football fandom is not for the faint of heart, and certainly not for those who prioritize parity above all else. As every fan knows, there always seem to be just a few dominant programs who are in contention for the national championship every year, and that’s been true for the past decade, at least.
But college football has a long and storied history, and it begs the question: does that same imbalance of power exist across all eras? To get to the bottom of it, ESPN and Bill Connelly are turning to their renowned SP+ rankings, but with a twist.
As Connelly explains, he’s utilizing a modified version of his usual approach for evaluating teams. Typically, SP+ rankings — which incorporate a wide range of metrics to make season-long predictions — rely heavily on various factors.
However, for this analysis, Connelly is focusing solely on points scored and points allowed, since those data points are more reliable in the earlier eras of college football.
By applying this adjusted method to games played dating back to 1883, when the modern rules of the sport were largely set, he can more accurately pinpoint which teams truly dominated the sport during each era. Let’s see how Texas A&M measures up against some of the greatest college football programs of the past 100 years, according to the SP+ rankings.
Starting with the 1920s, Connelly’s methodology ranks the Texas A&M Aggies as the 9th best team overall for that decade, with an SP+ score of 83.2 and one top-five appearance. While the team’s offense was respectable, it was their defense — as it has been for much of their history — that truly set them apart. In fact, the top five defenses for the entire 1920s era are all represented by Maroon and White players.
That particular season, A&M held its opponents to a minuscule average of just 0.9 points per game, only allowing seven points all season long. The only blemish on their record was a 7-3 loss to their in-state rivals, the Texas Longhorns.
Moving into the 1930s, the Aggies continued to prove their defensive dominance. They make the cut for the top five defenses of the decade, alongside such formidable opponents as TCU and SMU. With a record of 11-0 that year, A&M captured the Southwest Conference championship and outscored their opponents by a decisive 212 to 31.
Even more impressive was their defense, which ranked fourth in the country by allowing only 2.8 points per game; they shut down six of their eleven opponents that season.
Homer Norton’s coaching tenure with Texas A&M stretched into the 1940s, and it was another successful decade for the Aggies. They make the top five defenses list once again, clocking in at number one with a stunning 99.7%.
Though their 1941 Cotton Bowl Classic game against Fordham was their only loss that year, the team’s defense remained a force to be reckoned with; they ranked fourth in the nation by allowing only 4.6 points per game.
While the Aggies’ defense remained dominant throughout the years, their offense started picking up the slack in the 1950s. Surprise, surprise — that was the era when a young Bear Bryant took over as head coach.
With Bryant at the helm, Texas A&M’s defense ranked second nationally by allowing just 4.5 points per game that season, while their offense put up 158 points. The team ended the season with an 8-3 record and an appearance in the Gator Bowl.
Skipping ahead a few decades to the 1990s, and Texas A&M remains a formidable opponent. Their overall SP+ score of 88.4 puts them at the number 8 spot from 1990 to 1999, with two top-five finishes.
During this time, the Aggies were incredibly consistent, only finishing with a record worse than 9-3 once. Their 1992 team — led by head coach R.C. Slocum — nearly had a perfect season, with a 12-1 record overall and an unbeaten record in the Southwest Conference. Unfortunately, the team fell to Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl.
Last but not least, we come to the 2010s. Unsurprisingly, Texas A&M continued their strong showing throughout the decade. The team never finished below .500, making a bowl game appearance every year.
The 2012 season, in particular, was one for the history books. Spearheaded by new head coach Kevin Sumlin, the Aggies joined the SEC, and freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel made headlines by becoming the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy.
The Aggies went 11-2 that season, with noteworthy wins over top-ranked Alabama and Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl. The team’s fifth-place finish in the final AP poll was their highest since 1956.
Throughout the decades, the Texas A&M Aggies have remained a force to be reckoned with in college football.
They’ve proven time and time again that their defensive skills are legendary, and they’ve added on an impressive offensive game in more recent years. With a history as rich as theirs, it’s no wonder they’re consistently ranked as one of the most successful programs in college football history.
Fans of Texas A&M football are well aware of the team’s storied history — it’s part of what makes being an Aggie fan so exciting. But even for those who aren’t diehard followers of the sport, it’s impossible to ignore the incredible record held by this Texas-based team.
Across multiple decades and through various rule changes, Texas A&M has demonstrated an impressive ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing world of college football.
In today’s sports landscape, where the same few teams seem to reign supreme every year, it’s easy to forget that there was a time when the sport was more unpredictable.
But digging through the archives and examining how teams performed across the decades helps put things into perspective. When you look at the numbers, it becomes clear that Texas A&M has been an insurmountable force for many years now — and they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
There are plenty of reasons to be a fan of the Texas A&M Aggies. For one thing, they sure know how to put up a good fight on the football field. But perhaps more importantly, their consistent success throughout the years is a testament to the team’s determination, skill, and ability to take on whatever challenges come their way.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of college football, there’s no denying that the Texas A&M Aggies are a team worth keeping an eye on.
For many male sports fans, there’s a special thrill in following a team with a long history of dominance. That’s why it’s so exciting to look back at Texas A&M’s storied past in college football.
From the team’s early defensive prowess to their more recent explosive offensive game, the Aggies have consistently pleased fans with their tenacity and skill. And with each passing season, it seems like the team only gets better — which is great news for fans of this venerable college football program.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of game day, but ultimately it’s the legacy of a team that truly cements their place in the annals of sports history. By that measure, there’s no question that Texas A&M has earned their spot among the greats.
Other teams may come and go, but this Texas powerhouse seems destined to maintain their reputation as one of the most formidable challengers in the world of college football.
Whether you’re a fan of powerhouse programs or just a lover of the sport as a whole, it’s impossible not to appreciate the history and legacy of Texas A&M football.
With a string of successful seasons spanning decades, the Aggies have left an indelible mark on college football. There’s no question that Texas A&M will continue to be a dominant force in the sport for years to come — and there’s no better time to join the throngs of fans cheering them on.
If you’re a football fan, you know that there’s nothing quite like following a team with a long and impressive history. For fans of Texas A&M, that impressive history is etched into every game they play.
From their impressive defenses in years past to the recent newsworthy moments that have catapulted this team to the top of the national rankings, the Aggies are a team not to be missed. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the world of college football, Texas A&M football is the kind of team that will keep you coming back for more season after season.
College football is nothing if not unpredictable. Each year, new challengers rise to the top while once-dominant teams fall by the wayside. But amidst all this chaos, there are the perennial powerhouses — the teams that seem to always be in the mix, no matter what.
For fans of Texas A&M football, the knowledge that their team is consistently ranked among the best in the country is all the more reason to cheer them on. With a long and storied history of success, the Aggies are the kind of team that makes you proud to be a college football fan.