It wasn't long after Clemson put the finishing touches on Monday night's 44-16 win against Alabama that coaches and players began to discuss the Tigers' place in history.
"I feel like we’re the best team ever," said Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell.
Clemson is at least unique, as the first on college football's highest level since Pennsylvania in 1897 to finish 15-0. In doing so, the Tigers upended a rival that for much of the regular season had been viewed in comparison to some of the top teams in program history.
In terms of recent history, Clemson's case is hard to ignore. A ranking of the past 15 national champions of the Bowl Subdivision, from 2004 to the present, begins with the 2018 Tigers.
1. 2018 Clemson (15-0)
It's noteworthy when you achieve markers that hadn't been matched since the 19th century. Clemson had the nation's best defense, the third-best offense and the most consistent week-to-week performances of any team in college football. At the very least, the Tigers earned a place in the best-ever conversation.
2. 2013 Florida State (14-0)
The Jameis Winston-led Seminoles cruised through the regular season with an average margin of victory of 42 points — or six touchdowns, which sounds even more impressive. It was a closer call in the championship game against Auburn, but this was a powerhouse team.
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