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An interesting college football rankings system is making waves with its controversial standings. The computer-based system not only has the defending champion Georgia Bulldogs at 17th in the poll, but it crowns Miami as the best team in the nation.
The list contains a number of other surprises, sparking quite the reaction on social media.
When looking at the AP and Coaches’ Polls, you’ll see the usual suspects near the top. UGA, Ohio State, Texas, Michigan, and Florida State make up the Top 5, though the order of those programs differs slightly.
There are a few reasons for those almost-identical rankings, most notably the preseason start for each of those schools. All began the season in the Top 12, making it easier to rise to the top in quick fashion.
Of course, on-field performance has also played a part, with Texas knocking off Alabama, Ohio State sneaking by Notre Dame, and FSU beating Clemson. Still, those preseason projections certainly didn’t hurt their advancement into that top group.
But what if the slates were wiped clean? No preseason bias, not “passing the eye test,” and no brand recognition.
One college football rankings site is attempting to do just that. They’ve developed a computer formula to best identify the nation’s top teams.
MCubed has put out its 2023 rankings five weeks into the college football season, and it’s likely the most shocking list you’ll see. Miami tops its standings with Texas and Washington State rounding out the Top 3.
Let’s check in and see how the BCS is doing. pic.twitter.com/79ESokqNwu
— CFBMemes (@cfbmemes_) October 3, 2023
The site calculates these standings with a variety of variables. Wins and losses come first, though point margin is rewarded. Teams that win by eight points or more receive a boost.
Opponent win percentage is also taken into account as a way of measuring strength of schedule, and it takes things a step further by noting opponents’ opponent record.
Bad losses are punished, particularly those against FCS teams, and point differentials are broken down into OT results, 1-3 points wins, 4-8 point wins, and 8+ point wins.
The formula spit out some surprises.
No. 1: Miami
No. 3: Washington State
No. 9: Missouri
No. 12: Liberty
No. 24: Alabama
FSU (13) and Georgia (17) both wound up outside the Top 10 while teams like Clemson (48) and LSU (53) were ranked even further down the list.
Fans have been quick to react to the unconventional college football rankings as they posted their thoughts on social media. Some commented on the surprising difference between this poll and what’s been seen in the Coaches’ and AP rankings.
Others say they actually miss the old computer rankings.
“I miss the BCS when you had to blow someone out to get points.”
“I’d be down for this 12-team playoff, even more so if Marshall, JMU, and Fresno State could muscle their way in.”
“This looks a lot better than the actual Top 25…”
“I miss you BCS computer. I loved your unbiased take on singular season results as you ignored TV viewership and brand history assumptions.”
“That would be an interesting CFP bracket.”
“BCS > CFP committee. The committee can and does pick whatever it wants. At least BCS had consistent criteria.”
Once you get past the shock and invite the chaos, you can actually see an interesting mix of blue bloods and little guys with every major conference being represented in the Top 10. You’ll also find five G5 schools in the Top 26.
This will obviously change significantly as the year goes on, but we’ll keep an eye on the fun college football rankings system as it’s quickly become a fan favorite.