GP Formula: Alternate Ranking Method

(used preferably as third poll, Z)

            B =      Base = # of games of regular season played by a majority of Div. I teams

            R =      Principal team’s winning %

             where:            a win = 1 unit                        _R = [#wins + (.5)(#ties)]                                    a tie = 0.5 unit                                total games played

            OP =   Principal team’s opponents’ winning %

            OOP = Principal team’s opponents’ opponents’ winning %

            S =       # of games not played by principal team below base # of games

            S =      (base # of games) minus (total games played)

            GP =   Gross points accumulated, by which teams are ranked

                       [the highest points occupy the #1 rank]

                        GP     = RB + OP(.63)B + OOP(.37)B – RS                     m

                                 = B [R + (.63)OP + (.37)OOP] - RS

The GP rating ranks all programs fairly especially based on strength of schedule and performance. A rating system that treats all I-A teams fairly may also, to a certain degree, enhance overall competitiveness by encouraging the more sought after athletes/recruits to attend minor institutions.

The GP formula will account for the teams that soften their schedules; and also will not favor the unsportsmanlike act of running up the score - regardless if by 1 point or 55 points, a win is a win!

The ‘RS’ portion of the above formula keeps teams from obtaining an unfair advantage by playing a schedule with one or more less game(s) during the regular season than other teams. In fact, those teams playing less games than the base number of games are actually penalized due to the fact that each scheduled game represents a potential loss especially as the season progresses.

On the other end of the spectrum, those teams in the upper echelon of this ranking method playing extra games than the base will find that each win accounts for approximately an extra 1/3 of a point and the chance of moving up in the polls; however, a loss during an extra game above the base results in the subtraction of approximately 2/3 of a point and a subsequent drop in the polls.

 EXAMPLE :

The ‘RB’ portion of the GP Formula, on the average, accounts for approximately 63% of the total points accumulated from the criteria by which teams are ranked. [This means performance throughout the season dictates a majority influence in regard to ranking individual teams, whereas strength of schedule constitutes a minority, yet significant, influence]

This ranking method might best serve fans and administrators alike by stopping at Gross Points (GP), thereby giving the results:

If it is determined necessary to incorporate a number of additional independent and/or computer polls to the GP rating for the sake of invariability, we should calculate the average of all polls to arrive at a final ranking. [To find this average utilizing perhaps the easiest method, we merely sum the weighted rank of the GP formula plus the ranks for n number of additional polls for each individual team]

Tiebreakers

     Head to head

     # of wins

     Team with greater % of games played being away games

     # of games won where the point differential was ›16 throughout 4th quarter

     Coin flip

  µ    In regard to the emphasis for the constants which are associated with the variables OP and OOP, they have been explained utilizing the 63:37 ratio; where OP is multiplied by (.63) and OOP     by (.37), however a range exists by which these two constants may vary, such as .5 - .63 for OP and .37 - .5 for OOP.

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