The Chicago Cubs are finally heading to the World Series for the first time since 1945, according to basic math that's a 71-year absence and a very long wait.
In honor of the Cubs' drought ending, we take a look at some notable programs who haven't won a championship in awhile, and are looking to follow in the Cubbies' footsteps this year.
Michigan - 1997
Michigan entered the 1997 season ranked No. 17 in the polls with the toughest schedule of all 112 programs in the country. Led by All-Big Ten quarterback Brian Griese, the Wolverines ran the table, with wins over five ranked opponents to claim the Big Ten title. In the Rose Bowl, Lloyd Carr's team held on to beat Ryan Leaf and the Washington State Cougars to win their first national title since 1948.
Came close: In 2006, Michigan won their first eleven games and climbed to No. 2 in the rankings heading into their game with No.1 Ohio State. The Wolverines would lose 42-39 to the Buckeyes and eventually fall to USC in the Rose Bowl.
Currently: No. 2 in AP poll with a 7-0 record.
Nebraska - 1997
Nebraska was a powerhouse in the 1990's, claiming back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995. The Cornhuskers rose to the No. 1 ranking midway though the 1997 season but a 45-38 overtime win over Missouri dropped Tom Osborne's squad to No. 3 the following week. Nebraska would win its remaining games, and beat Tennessee 42-17 in the Orange Bowl to share the title with Michigan. The win in Miami would be Osborne's last game as coach.
Came close: In 2001, Nebraska went unscathed until their final game of the season against Colorado. The Cornhuskers lost 62-36, which kept them out of the Big 12 Championship game. Yet, despite the loss, Nebraska got in to the national Championship against Miami, when Florida, Tennessee, and Texas all lost their final games. The Hurricanes proved too much, easily beating Frank Solich's team 37-14 in Pasadena.
Currently: No. 7 in AP poll with a 7-0 record.
Washington - 1991
Washington came into the 1991 season No. 4 in the polls, the Huskies closest games all came on the road to USC, Cal, and Nebraska. The average margin of victory in those three contest's was 11. In the Rose Bowl, Washington cruised past Michigan 34-14. The Huskies would be voted No. 1 in the coaches poll, while Miami won the AP poll for a split title.
Came close: After beating Idaho in the opening week, the 2000 Huskies upset No. 4 Miami 34-29, the Hurricanes only loss of the season. Washington would fall to Oregon 23-16 on the road in late September to end their hopes of playing in the championship game. The Huskies would win out, including a Rose Bowl victory over Drew Brees and Purdue.
Currently: No. 4 in AP poll with a 7-0 record.
Clemson - 1981
The 1981 Clemson Tigers were unranked to begin their campaign. After the Tigers beat No. 4 Georgia in 13-3 and rose to No. 2 in the polls after an 82-24 win over Wake Forest. Danny Ford was named coach of the year en route to beating Nebraska in the Orange Bowl and the program's first and only national title.
Came close: Coach Dabo Swinney and 2015 Heisman runner-up Deshaun Watson led the Tigers to their first undefeated season since 1981. Clemson went into the College Football Playoffs ranked No.1 and hammered Oklahoma 37-17 in the Orange Bowl semifinal. In the championship game versus Alabama, the Crimson Tide would score 24 fourth-quarter points to edge Clemson 45-40.
Currently: No. 3 AP poll with a 7-0 record.
