Factoid 397 - Edgar Wingard's undefeated 1908 team; why does LSU not claim this as a National Championship?

In 1908 Edgar Wingard coached LSU to a 10-0 record. They were dominant, for instance, in an 89-0 victory over Baylor and a 50-0 victory over Mississippi A&M (Mississippi State). Their closest game was a 10-2 victory of Auburn. The National Championship Foundation awarded LSU a National Championship. LSU does not claim this national title.

Harvard was coached by Percy Haughton and went 9-0-1. Harvard was awarded the National Championship by the Billingsley Report. Most of Harvard’s games were relatively close. Penn was coached by Sol Metzger and went 11–0–1. There games were relatively close as well. They were awarded the National Championship by HAF, HS, NCF, and PD. (Search Faniacs to learn more about these.)

So LSU was dominant and did not have a tie. We see no reasons why they shouldn’t claim this as a National Championship. It should be noted, these championships were awarded retroactively.