Which teams have a better history than most people think? Conversely, what teams have a worse history than most people think?

Two sides of the same rivalry; Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Minnesota has been mediocre at best for a while now, but back in the day they were a powerhouse, winning 6 national titles (good for 8th all time). They won 7-8 games several times (back when seasons were 8-10 games) in the 30s and 40s.

On the opposite side, Wisconsin, who today is talked about as a contender for the Big Ten year after year, was pretty damn mediocre for a while. Heck between 1963 and 1993 the most games they won in a year was 7. Then Barry Alvarez happened. [This also applies to Wisconsin basketball as well, with Bo Ryan]