When it comes to college football, you're talking about a sport where tradition and history matter a lot. And as most fans will tell you, there are some programs which are considered "blue bloods," because they have won multiple national championships, produced entire rosters worth of All-Americans, and have more than their "fair share" of Heisman Trophy winners.
These schools have large fan bases and rich rivalries. However, not all blue bloods are living up to their reputations or ... "pedigrees" in recent years. Here are five blue blood schools that have failed to meet the high expectations of their fans and the nation:
Nebraska: Go Big Red... to a Bowl Game
The Cornhuskers were a powerhouse in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, winning five national titles and dominating the Big Eight and Big 12 conferences. However, since joining the Big Ten in 2011, they have not won a conference title or played in a major bowl game. They have also struggled against their rivals, losing six of their last seven games against Iowa and Wisconsin. There is some hope with Matt Rhule now in town, but it has been several years since the Huskers played in any bowl game. Much less, one of any significance. Blue bloods need to be playing every postseason.
Texas: Is Back?
The Longhorns have one of the most storied programs in college football, with four national championships, 32 conference titles and two Heisman winners. They also have one of the biggest brands and budgets in the sport. However, since losing the 2009 BCS National Championship Game to Alabama, they have been on a downward spiral. They have had four losing seasons in the last decade, fired three head coaches, and lost eight of their last 11 games against Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown. Is Texas back? Ask Kansas; the Jayhawks just beat the Longhorns last week. People are tired of asking if Texas is back, because it never is.
USC: Fight On, Past All the Losses
There is no doubt that USC will Fight On. The Trojans are the most successful program on the West Coast, with 11 national titles, 39 conference championships and eight Heisman winners. They also have a rich history of producing NFL stars and playing in iconic venues like the Rose Bowl and the Coliseum. However, since the end of the Pete Carroll era in 2009, they have been plagued by NCAA sanctions, coaching scandals, and inconsistent performances. They have not won a national title or a Rose Bowl since 2008, and have lost five of their last six games against Notre Dame - who is also on this list. It's looking less and less like USC has the Fight to go On.
Michigan: Cue the Jane's Addicition
Or is it Jim's Addicition? Someone got caught stealing. But let's focus on the facts. The Wolverines are the winningest program in college football history, with 11 national titles, 42 conference championships and three Heisman winners. They also have one of the most passionate fan bases and one of the fiercest rivalries with Ohio State. However, since the retirement of Lloyd Carr in 2007, they have been unable to recapture their glory days. They have not won a Big Ten title or played in a Rose Bowl since 2004, and have lost eight straight games to Ohio State. And now, just when it looks like things are turning around for the good, it looks like Jim Harbaugh might... be... cheating?
Notre Dame: The Fighting to Stay Relevants
The Fighting Irish are arguably the most iconic program in college football, with 11 national titles, seven Heisman winners and a nationwide following. They also have a unique status as an independent team that can play anyone they want and has its own TV deal with NBC. However, despite their prestige and resources, they have not won a national title since 1988, and have been blown out in their last three appearances in the College Football Playoff or BCS National Championship Game. They have also lost six of their last seven games against USC. Funny how some of these "blue bloods" only stay "blue bloods" by losing to "blue bloods" regularly. Doesn't seem like a shell game at all.
The one thing certain about all of these historically prestigious college football programs is that the resources, talent levels, and expectations are high every season. But these programs aren't getting the results.