Texas… doing less with more

[DenVol]

Is there a program that does less with more resources than Texas? They are the premier program in a state known for football, have endless financial resources, don’t have to leave the state to recruit except to cherry pick top recruits, yet have only won 1 national title since 1971. 1 title in over 50 years. Their “little brother” A&M is very similar, but Texas has the bigger name, and I would argue them only having one title is worse than A&M’s zero.
I know we only have 1 title in the same amount of time, but we def don’t have as much talent in-state (it’s gotten significantly better, but def not as much talent as they have in-state), aren’t as rich, and have played in a harder conference.

 

[YankeeVol]

The argument can be made

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Here's one way of measuring under-performers against each other.

First, let's list every Power 5 team from the recruiting-rich states of Georgia, Florida, Texas, and California:
-- Georgia
-- Georgia Tech
-- Florida
-- Florida State
-- Miami
-- Texas
-- A&M
-- TCU
-- Baylor
-- Stanford
-- Cal
-- UCLA
-- USCw

Now, let's put them in order of their most recent national titles (including all reasonable claims with multiple sources awarding the crown):

-- Georgia - 2022
-- Florida State - 2013
-- Florida - 2008
-- Texas - 2005
-- USCw - 2004
-- Miami - 2001
-- Georgia Tech - 1990
-- UCLA - 1954
-- Stanford - 1940
-- A&M - 1939
-- TCU - 1938
-- Cal - 1937
-- Baylor - never

So a first blush says Baylor is the biggest under-performer. And you might counter, "yeah, but they don't have the national brand of Texas or some of those others."

You're right. But whose fault is that?

You think Notre Dame was just born with a national brand? They're not the flagship university of any state. Think Ga Tech is hugely advantaged in the branding department? If they once were, it was because they made themselves great.

No, I think we have to conclude that Baylor has squandered their natural opportunities the worst, followed by Cal, TCU, A&M, Stanford and UCLA. They have done the least with the gifts given.

I've got a feeling I'm going to end up hating Texas after they've been in the conference any length of time, but I'm objective enough to recognize they aren't the worst underperformers.

Go Vols!

 

[Firebirdparts]

So…. Making the playoffs is not very good?

 

[volbound1700]

Aggies have squandered the most out of everyone... USC would be 2nd.