cfb rankings over the years

Vender Womder

3 min read

·

22-11-2024

1

0

Share

The Shifting Sands of CFB Rankings: A Look Back Through the Years

The landscape of college football has always been defined by competition, but the way we measure that competition – through rankings – has evolved significantly over the years. From the rise of the AP Poll to the complexities of the College Football Playoff rankings, understanding the history of CFB rankings is key to appreciating the sport's current state. This article delves into the evolution of college football rankings, examining their impact and the controversies they've spawned.

The Early Days: The AP Poll and its Limitations

Before the advent of sophisticated computer rankings and playoff systems, the Associated Press (AP) Poll reigned supreme. Established in 1936, the AP Poll relied on a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters who voted weekly on their top 25 teams. While influential, the AP Poll had its drawbacks:

• Subjectivity: The inherent subjectivity of human judgment led to inconsistencies and debates. Different voters prioritized different criteria, leading to varied rankings for similar teams.
• Limited Data: The reliance on human observation meant that statistical analysis played a minimal role. Factors like strength of schedule were often judged qualitatively, leading to potential biases.
• No Playoff: The AP Poll crowned a champion, but it lacked the definitive playoff structure to definitively settle disputes. This often led to heated discussions about the "best" team in the country.

The Rise of Computer Rankings and the BCS Era

In an effort to add more objectivity, computer rankings began to emerge in the latter half of the 20th century. These systems used various statistical formulas to rank teams based on factors like points scored, points allowed, and strength of schedule. The Bowl Championship Series (BCS), introduced in 1998, utilized a combination of human polls (AP and Coaches' Poll) and computer rankings to determine the participants in the national championship game.

While the BCS aimed to increase fairness, it also brought new controversies:

• The "BCS Bust": Teams with strong records but a perceived weaker schedule could be left out of the title game, fueling criticism of the system's inherent biases.
• Complexity: The BCS formula was opaque and difficult for the average fan to understand, leading to a perception of unfairness.
• Lack of Transparency: The weighting of different rankings within the BCS formula often felt arbitrary and lacked transparency.

The College Football Playoff: A New Era of Ranking

The College Football Playoff (CFP), implemented in 2014, revolutionized the ranking system. A selection committee composed of 13 members ranks the top 25 teams based on a variety of criteria. The top four teams participate in a playoff to determine the national champion. The CFP aimed to:

• Increase Transparency: The committee releases its rankings weekly, providing insight into their decision-making process.
• Reduce Subjectivity (somewhat): While still subject to human judgment, the committee's deliberations offer a more structured and transparent approach than the previous systems.
• Establish a Clear Path to the Championship: The playoff format eliminates the need for speculation and debate over who deserves the title.

However, even the CFP has faced criticism:

• Committee Bias: Accusations of bias and inconsistencies in the committee's rankings continue to surface.
• Selection Process Debate: The criteria used by the committee remain a subject of ongoing discussion and debate among fans and analysts.
• Expanding the Playoff?: The ongoing discussion about expanding the playoff beyond four teams highlights the system's inherent limitations and the quest for a more inclusive and representative championship.

The Future of CFB Rankings

The future of CFB rankings remains fluid. Ongoing discussions about playoff expansion, the incorporation of advanced analytics, and the potential for greater transparency will continue to shape how we measure and appreciate the success of college football teams. The history of CFB rankings showcases a constant evolution in the pursuit of a fair and accurate representation of the best teams in the nation. The ongoing debate reflects the passion and intensity surrounding this beloved sport.