Best NCAA College Football Program of All Time

What comes to mind when you think of the best NCAA college football program of all time? Notre Dame; USC; Michigan? Sure, they are all up there. But, at the very top, in my book, is the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. Bama is, without a doubt, the greatest NCAA college football program ever.

Why do I say that? Well, of course Alabama football is right up there when it comes to wins and losses (ranked #8 with an all-time record of 802 - 319 - 43 (.707); championships (arguably the champ in 1925, 1926, 1930, 1934, 1941, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979, 1991, 1992 and 2009); legendary coaches and players (over 90 first team all-American's); etc.

It's also important to note that Alabama plays in the Southeastern (SEC) conference; the toughest college football conference in America. How do I know that? Well, for starters, the SEC has won the past five BCS National Championship titles. Every year the SEC leads the pack in attendance, bowl games, recruits, and wins on the field. It's second only to the Big Ten in money earned (and this is debatable).

Ultimately, the reason I pick Alabama over the others is simply that no college football program has impacted as many people as much as the Alabama Crimson Tide football program. Indeed, its win over the Washington Huskies at the 1926 Rose Bowl gave pride to the entire southern region of America. Thanks to Alabama football, the state of Alabama was transformed and millions of lives given a new sense of pride and respect. No other football team can say that.

The height of the college football season is bowl season. The Crimson Tide has appeared in 52 Bowl games and claimed 30 bowl victories (with 3 ties) in it's history. That represents more victories and bowl appearances than any other NCAA team.

One last stat: which college has produced the most Super Bowl winning quarterbacks? Yep, you guessed it. Alabama with 3: Bart Starr, Joe Namath, and Ken Stabler.

So, for all these reasons, and more, I say the Alabama Crimson Tide has the overall best college football program in history.

Obviously the debate over which college football program is the best will never be settled. Some argue for Notre Dame; some for USC; and some for Michigan.

For my money, no NCAA football program has had as much impact on a state and region of the country as the Alabama Crimson Tide. That's why I pick Bama as the best ever.

Mo Johnson is the editor of The Best Football Blog which covers all levels of football from high school to college to the pros.