The 8 Ways to Smoke Out a Fake National Title Claim

College football history is loaded with BS national championship claims, as well as some non-consensus claims that AREN’T ridiculous. How do we tell the difference? What patterns emerge when we look at decades of disputed titles? What is the most ridiculous national title claim of all time? (Spoiler: It’s one of Alabama’s claims. But why don’t the Tide claim other titles that would be a lot less outrageous?) No other sport has a feature quite like this one, and we’ve got an expert to talk through it with us: Keith Gaddie, TCU professor and author of a new book, “Bragging Rites,” on the history of arguing over national championships. ( The book comes out May 24 .) More from Split Zone Duo’s partners: * Use SZD20 for 20% off your first order at Homefield . There’s fresh college sports apparel dropping at Homefield all the time. Find your school’s collection. Also: auto racing gear . It’s Indy 500 month. * Visit NokianTyres.com/RoadTrips and share your road-tripping plans for the summer, and you’ll be entered to win a set of tires. This contest runs through May 30. Enjoy the same tires that get us where we need to go. Producer: Anthony Vito This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.splitzoneduo.com/subscribe