Which is SU's best team of the century?

[SWC75]

This came up in the thread for my questions for the next Dino Babers Show. Which is SU's best team of the 21st century? The clear choices are the two 10-3 teams: 2001 vs. 2018.

The 2001 team wound up #14 in both polls, 2018 #15. 2001 didn't make the BCS ranking, which was only a top 15 while 2018 was #20 per the playoff committee. of course the meaning of those rankings depends on your evaluation of the teams above them.
Statistically the teams look like this:
(2001 is first, then 2018)

Offense
Rushing 175 - 199
Passing 155 - 265
Total 329 - 464
3rd/4th down 41% - 41%
Sacks 25 - 37
TFLs 117 - 87
Turnovers 15 -16
Scoring 26 - 40

Defense
Rushing 170 - 162.5
Passing 189 - 264
Total 359 - 427
3rd/4th down 29% - 30%
Sacks 40 - 43
TFLs 116 - 96
Takeovers 30 -31
Scoring 20 - 27

2018's offense was clearly better. We actually got out-gained in 2001 by 30 yards per game. We actually gave up more RFLs than Freeney & company got that year. 2018 had a weakness in pass defense. but I don't think RJ Anderson was the one to take advantage of it. 2018 did give up more sacks and Dwight could have had a field day. But Dungey was a resourceful quarterback and would not have bene intimidated.

 

[Finwad32]

I think 2018, especially given the variables. And I had ST’s for both.

Holy shite, that’s scary.

 

[GoSU96]

2012

 

[Chip]

2012

I mentioned that in the other thread. If you looked at how each team was playing at the end, who wins the 3 team tourney with 2001, 2012, 2018?

I don't know the answer, but with no point spreads, I might put my money on 2012.

 

[Nicknack]

The 2001 team's defense was fun to watch, especially Freeney. However, what sort of sours my memory of that team was the game against Miami where we (and Freeney) got completely shut down.

 

[donniesyracuse]

The 2001 team's defense was fun to watch, especially Freeney. However, what sort of sours my memory of that team was the game against Miami where we (and Freeney) got completely shut down.

Freeney was held, not shut down.

 

[GoSU96]

I mentioned that in the other thread. If you looked at how each team was playing at the end, who wins the 3 team tourney with 2001, 2012, 2018?

I don't know the answer, but with no point spreads, I might put my money on 2012.

2012, best qb, best all around team. 4 P5 non conference games.

 

[syrBossHogg]

I think 2018 > 2001

I think 2012 and 2018 is a more competitive game, but I still give the edge to 2018.