AP All-Time Top Ten: Why They Are Correct, And Guess Who Is No. 1

"3  NOTRE DAME (1,042 Points) Total appearances:766, 69.45% of all polls First appearance:1936 No.1 ranking:98 Championships:Eight (last 1988) Best full decade:1940s appeared in 96.59% of polls. Worst full decade:2000s appeared in 45.18% of polls. Poll point:Notre Dame was ranked at least once every season from the first poll in 1936 through 1961."

Notre Dame is one of the most storied programs in of college football. But the 21st century hasn’t been all that kind to the university when it comes to the gridiron.

Their lack of success during this time kept the Irish from being ranked even higher than No. 3 on the list. It appears that head coach Brian Kelly has righted the ship and it’s likely they will continue to be in the discussion as one of the top teams in the country for some time.

Whatever you’re thoughts are concerning the Irish, you have to admit that Notre Dame has had one of the great football programs in the last 80 years.

Next: #2 Oklahoma