ncaa football rankings make your own

Vender Womder

3 min read

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22-11-2024

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The College Football Playoff rankings are out, and…are you satisfied? Probably not. The system is complex, debated endlessly, and often feels arbitrary. But what if you could take control? What if you could create the definitive NCAA football rankings? This guide will walk you through building your own, personalized rankings, allowing you to crown your champion.

Step 1: Defining Your Criteria

Before you start comparing teams, you need a system. What factors matter most to you? Here are some common criteria, with considerations for each:

H2: Key Ranking Factors:

• Record: Wins and losses are the foundation, but consider strength of schedule. A 10-2 team that played a brutal schedule might be better than an undefeated team that played cupcakes.

• Points Differential: A blowout victory suggests dominance more than a narrow escape. A large positive point differential demonstrates consistent performance.

• Strength of Schedule (SOS): This is crucial. Use a reputable SOS metric (many sites provide these) to account for the quality of opponents. A high SOS with a strong record is a significant indicator.

• Head-to-Head Results: If two teams played, the victor gets the edge. This can be particularly impactful in close conference races.

• Quality Wins: Victories against ranked opponents carry more weight than wins against weaker teams.

• Offensive and Defensive Statistics: Consider yards per game, points per game, turnovers, and other relevant metrics. Weigh these according to your preferences – do you value high-scoring offenses or stingy defenses more?

• Eye Test: This is subjective but valuable. Did a team look dominant even in a close game? Did they overcome adversity? Your own observation can provide invaluable context.

H2: Weighting Your Criteria

Not all criteria are created equal. Assign weights to each factor to reflect its importance in your rankings. For example:

• Record: 30%
• SOS: 25%
• Points Differential: 20%
• Head-to-Head: 15%
• Quality Wins: 10%

You can adjust these percentages based on your personal preferences. Experiment to find a system you find fair and representative.

Step 2: Gathering Data

You'll need access to reliable college football statistics. Websites like ESPN, NCAA.com, and others provide comprehensive data, including team records, schedules, and various statistical categories.

Step 3: Creating Your Rankings

Now comes the fun part! Using a spreadsheet or a dedicated ranking tool (there are several available online), input your data and apply your weighting system. You can create a scoring system where each factor contributes points based on its weight and the team's performance in that area. The team with the highest total score earns the top spot.

H2: Example Ranking Calculation:

Let's say Team A has a 9-3 record, a strong SOS, a positive point differential, and one win over a ranked opponent. Team B has a 10-2 record but a weaker SOS and fewer quality wins. By applying your weighted criteria, you can determine which team ranks higher based on your system.

Step 4: Refine and Iterate

Your initial rankings might need adjustments. As the season progresses, revisit your rankings, updating data and perhaps tweaking your weighting system to account for new information and performance. The beauty of creating your own rankings is that you can adapt them as needed.

Step 5: Embrace the Debate!

Share your rankings with friends and fellow fans! Discuss your methodology and the rationale behind your choices. The fun of college football extends beyond the games themselves; it includes the endless debate and analysis of who’s truly the best.

Creating your own NCAA football rankings is a rewarding experience that allows you to engage more deeply with the sport and develop a deeper understanding of what constitutes a truly great team. So, grab your data, choose your criteria, and get ready to crown your champion!