Ranking the top 50 college football programs of all time

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) celebrates after scoring the game winning touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines in the second overtime at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime.Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 19, 2016; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Mitchell Juergens (87) signals a first down after catching the ball during the third quarter against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Brigham Young Cougars won the game 51-9. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

Not being in a conference has its benefits as well as its downfalls. The BYU Cougars can schedule tough opponents year in and year out, but they don’t have the same type of brand as a fellow Independent in Notre Dame, so major bowl games aren’t a given with 10-win seasons.

The Cougars were part of the Mountain West for over a decade from 1990-2010, but decided to break off as an Independent. They do have 23 all-time conference titles, though, which is an impressive number.

On top of that, the Cougars have made 35 bowl games since 1976. They dominated in the 1970s through the 1990s, winning 18 WAC titles before 1999 under legendary head coach LaVell Edwards whom their stadium is named after. Not only was this team unstoppable in conference play, but the Cougars also won the national title in 1984, their first and only ever.

BYU has one Heisman Trophy winner, Ty Detmer in 1990, and it has also produced 51 All-Americans, including 13 consensus selections.

Cougars fans need this BYU polo shirt.

There have been some top-tier quarterbacks who have come through the program, winning the Davey O’Brien Award such as Jim McMahon, Steve Young and Detmer.

Including Edwards’ impressive coaching reign, the Cougars are 390-171-4 since 1972, giving them a 69.3 winning percentage.

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