History is on Clemson football’s side entering 2017 College Football Playoff

History is on Clemson football’s side entering the 2017 College Football Playoff. Statistics show, the Tigers have as good a shot as anybody to be crowned National Champions once again.

Defense wins championships, right?

Generally speaking, yes.

In analyzing data reaching back to 2000, it’s clear that defense does in fact win championships. There have been three teams since the 2000 season that were exceptions to that rule, but, we’ll get to them later.

National Championship mold

Of the past 16 national champions, all but one ranked in the top-30 in total defense during their respective championship seasons. The one exception to that rule was the Cam Newton-led Auburn Tigers in 2010. If it weren’t for Newton’s transcendent talent, the Tigers – whom ranked 60th in total defense that season – wouldn’t have won 10 games let alone a national title.

Even more staggering, 13 of the past 16 national champions ranked inside the top-10 in total defense. Aside from Auburn in 2010, the other two exceptions to that rule were Ohio State in both 2002 and 2014. The 2002 Buckeyes ranked 23rd in total defense and got help from the officials in their upset win over Miami. The 2014 Buckeyes, who ranked 19th in total defense, had a roster chock-full of NFL talent, such as Ezekiel Elliott and Joey Bosa.

Statistically speaking, Alabama, Clemson and Georgia have the best chances at winning the National Championship this season. The Tide currently rank 2nd in total defense, the Bulldogs, 4th and the Tigers, 6th.

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The Oklahoma Sooners rank 57th in total defense, however, they are led by battle-tested quarterback, Baker Mayfield. As we’ve seen in the past, certain players have the ability to raise the play of the entire team. Cam Newton did it in 2010 and Deshaun Watson did it last season. We’ll see if Mayfield can be that player this season.