About the Rankings

Our system's approach is vastly different from the numerous computer rankings available and the goals can be summarized in two words — simplicity and accountability.

Simplicity

The computer program is designed to predict who is supposed to beat who and by how much.

The actual outcome of the game directly alters subsequent predictions. A unique season-averaging variable prevents wild fluctuations due to anomalies, and renders it meaningless to run up the score.

The rise and fall of a team's Power Rating is relevant to the strength of the team it played, whether it won or lost, and how other teams fared against similar opponents.

Accountability

Our system is designed to predict the outcome. Success is determined by how many games were predicted correctly.

CollegeFootballPoll.com not only publishes the rankings, but also provides the computer's pick of every game and tracks the success rate. Our users can plainly see where the computer is right and where it is wrong.