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Sportswriter Bill Connelly has ranked every team in the country, from the top Power Five program to the worst Division III squad. The self-proclaimed college football “nerd” also gave followers a projected spread for a hypothetical matchup pitting No. 1 vs. No. 665.
Topping the standings is Michigan in his computer-based rankings, while Fitchburg State in Massachusetts comes in at dead last.
WEEK 8 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS: FBS THROUGH D3. Yes, D3. You jerks requested it, so here you go. No. 1-665.
Projected Fitchburg State at Michigan point spread: Michigan -156. pic.twitter.com/uiXOhzj2C0
— Bill Connelly (@ESPN_BillC) October 17, 2023
There are certainly some interesting storylines that come from the SP+ ratings, a system created by Connelly, himself, “intended to be predictive and forward-facing.”
The ESPN writer notes that it’s NOT a “résumé ranking that gives credit for big wins or particularly brave scheduling,” but rather a “a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency.”
These standings differ greatly from the AP Top 25 that rolls around each week, which has had two-time defending champion Georgia at No. 1 all year. Some of the biggest surprises include seeing Texas above Oklahoma despite a head-to-head loss, as well as a three-loss Texas A&M team crack the Top 20.
Clemson also comes in high at No. 13 with losses to Duke and Florida State.
While the rankings vary, we still see the same teams at the top with Michigan, Ohio State, Georgia, and Washington holding Top 5 spots.
Connelly rolls these rankings out each week, though they are typically reserved to the FBS. This week, he took things a step further by adding the FCS, DII, and DIII.
The highest ranked FCS program is South Dakota State, who actually broke into the Top 30. That puts the Jackrabbits ahead of teams like 6-1 Louisville, 5-2 Florida, and 5-2 Maryland. SDSU is currently 6-0 and ranked No. 1 in the FCS poll.
“No, seriously, South Dakota State would win the Big Ten West.”
The Top DII program is Ferris State at No. 175, a team that was undefeated in DII play before being toppled by Grand Valley State last weekend. GVSU is one spot behind the Bulldogs at No. 176, despite the head-to-head result.
And finally, the top DIII squad is North Central in Illinois at No. 222. That group is 6-0 with Division III power Mount Union lurking at No. 224.
Fans were eager to respond to the rankings, posting replies in the comments section.
“Truly sicko content.”
“I’m here for every last bit of this.”
“This is my new favorite weekly tweet!”
Of all the information laid out on the grid, the most interesting tidbit might be the projected point spread in a game between Michigan and Fitchburg State.
Connelly predicts about a 28-point difference between leagues. His system pumped out a ridiculous number for the hypothetical matchup.
Michigan -156.
The Wolverines are 7-0 and on track for a third straight College Football Playoff appearance. Fitchburg State, meanwhile, is 0-7 while having been outscored 237 to 78.
Are you taking UM to cover?