1945 McMNC: University of Alabama

AP Top 15: Final Record -- Key Bowl Results

1. Army: 9-0-0 -- None
2. Alabama: 10-0-0 -- W, Rose, 34-14
3. Navy: 7-1-1 -- None
4. Indiana: 9-0-1 -- None
5. Oklahoma A&M: 9-0-0 -- W, Sugar, 33-13
6. Michigan: 7-3-0 -- None
7. St. Mary's: 7-2-0 -- L, Sugar, 13-33
8. Pennsylvania: 6-2-0 -- None
9. Notre Dame: 7-2-1 -- None
10. Texas: 10-1-0 -- W, Cotton, 40-27
11. USC: 7-4-0 -- L, Rose, 14-34
12. Ohio State: 7-2-0 -- None
13. Duke: 6-2-0 -- None
14. Tennessee: 8-1-0 -- None
15. LSU: 7-2-0 -- None

So, we're finally clear of the military-base teams, which clears up the Top 15 a little more. But we still have the military academy problem, and since the 1945 teams were comprised of those who joined up during WWII, these still represent All-Star teams. Apologies again. So, Alabama, Indiana, and Oklahoma A&M are the teams under consideration for the 1945 McMNC.

The Tide had an impressive schedule in 1945, as opponents won 57% of their games. Two Alabama wins were over military base teams that went a combined 0-3 in 1945, but the 6-0 SEC record is impressive (wins over #14 Tennessee and #18 Georgia). The Rose Bowl win over #11 USC is very good, too. Indiana won the Western Conference, playing six road games overall and tying only 4-4-2 Northwestern on the road. But Indiana's schedule was not as good as Alabama's (.480 opponents' WP), and they didn't play in a bowl game. Oklahoma A&M fares better than Indiana, as their schedule was slightly tougher (.490 OWP) and they won a bowl game. But the only winning team the Cowboys beat prior to their bowl win was #17 Tulsa (8-3). They did beat a few .500 teams along the way, to help that OWP get close to .500, but it just isn't enough. While both Alabama and Oklahoma A&M beat ranked teams by 20 points in their bowl games, overall the Tide played the tougher schedule in 1945.

This is a short analysis, because it's pretty clear that the Tide deserve the McMNC for 1945.

McMNC Revisions
1. Alabama
2. Oklahoma A&M
3. Indiana
4. Texas
5. St. Mary's

RUNNING SCORECARD:
Tennessee: +1938, +1942
Alabama: +1945
Purdue: +1943
Stanford: +1940
California: +1937
Texas A&M: =1939
Ohio State: -1942, +1944
Pittsburgh: +1936, -1937
TCU: -1938
Notre Dame: -1943
Army: -1944, -1945
Minnesota: -1936, -1940, =1941