College Football Grades: A Season of Surprises and Disappointments
The year has wrapped up, and the scoreboard is now silent. All assignments are done and dusted—whether aced or barely scraped through. And no, there’s no scope for extra credit, folks!
As the confetti settles from Ohio State’s national championship win, it’s time to dish out report cards for every Bowl Subdivision team. This annual grading tradition evaluates overall performance against preseason expectations, with extra weight given to performances in marquee matchups, rivalry games, and high-pressure scenarios.
Now, a word of caution: these grades are not just about the win-loss record but also about how teams met (or missed) expectations. That’s why the grading curve may surprise you—think Marshall versus Mississippi. Intrigued? Read on!
Marshall vs. Mississippi: Same Record, Different Stories
While both Marshall and Mississippi ended their seasons with a 10-3 record, their grades are worlds apart. Marshall takes home an A for clinching the Sun Belt Conference title—their first conference championship since 2014. Meanwhile, Mississippi, despite a strong start, earned a B+ due to bad losses to Kentucky and Florida, which dashed their College Football Playoff hopes.
These differences highlight the beauty (and heartbreak) of college football: the same result can mean vastly different things for different programs.
Surprises and Disappointments: Vanderbilt vs. Southern California
Consider this: Vanderbilt’s 7-6 season earned them an impressive A- grade. For a program with historically low expectations, it’s a success story. On the flip side, Southern California’s identical 7-6 record was nothing short of disastrous, landing them a C-. Context is everything!
The Elite Performers: A+ Clubs
Only four teams achieved the coveted A+ grade, with Indiana leading the charge. Under new head coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers enjoyed their most successful regular season in history. They are the Cinderella story of the season, inspiring fans across the nation.
At the other end of the spectrum, Arizona, Purdue, and others earned a D-, while Florida State hit rock bottom with an F. Tough year, Seminoles!
Ohio State: Close, But Not Quite an A+
Despite Ohio State’s thrilling championship win over Notre Dame, the Buckeyes settled for an A grade. Why? Their regular-season loss to Michigan. While their postseason run was nothing short of legendary, that blemish keeps them from perfection. Harsh? Maybe. Fair? Absolutely.
The Big Names That Struggled
Even the giants of college football stumbled. Alabama’s 9-4 record under first-year coach Kalen DeBoer earned them a C, thanks to losses against Vanderbilt and Oklahoma. Michigan’s 8-5 season managed a slightly better C+ due to clutch wins against Ohio State and Alabama to close out the year. Oklahoma also landed at C+ after an underwhelming debut in the SEC.
What’s Next?
As the season’s grades roll in, fans are already looking ahead. Who will rise, and who will falter in 2025? One thing’s for sure: college football never fails to surprise.
For more insights, predictions, and the latest updates, stay tuned. And don’t forget to check out our way-too-early Top 25 rankings and exclusive analysis of coach voting trends in the US LBM Coaches Poll.
Share your thoughts:
Which team’s grade surprised you the most? Drop your comments below and join the conversation!
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