College football team rankings may look different every week. Three primary ranking systems are taken into account, each of which is explained below.
College Football Playoff Rankings
The NCAA College Football Playoff Rankings, or CFP, were introduced to the scene in 2014. Prior to it, the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) was taken into account. It is the most meaningful of the three systems utilized at the moment, mainly because it determines the teams that will be invited to partake in the playoffs, which determines the teams who may participate in a national championship.
A selection committee determines the CFP rankings, which are typically composed of experts in the football scene, such as head coaches, and athletic directors, among many other roles. In 2015, there were two important additions to the committee:
Lieutenant General Mike Gould
Former Secretary of state Condoleezza Rice
The main difference between the CFP and the rest of the ranking systems is that the latter is not published at the beginning of the season. It is revealed mid-season when the teams have only a few months left to launch their track records. Like the rest of the rankings, the CFP rankings are updated every week after the first issue. This format continues until selection day comes.
It’s important to keep in mind that, although this ranking is not revealed until later in the season, all the games are taken into account while determining the position of each team.
Coaches Poll
USA Today is in charge of the Coaches Poll, which is also sponsored by Amway. It is also known as the Amway Coaches Poll.
This ranking is determined by an aleatory selection of head football coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools. Each member must submit their recommendations for the top teams weekly.
However, instead of sending a mere list of “team names,” the documents state clear other information, such as the place that a particular team should have in the rankings depending on their performance-to-date throughout the season, as well as any other factor they may feel, is “essential” for the ranking.
It’s also worth noting that first-place votes equal 25 points, while second-place votes equal 24 points, and so on.
Before the season starts, a list of the top 25 teams is released. Then, new results are published every week as the season advances.
AP Poll
The Associated Press (AP) Poll is the last of the three ranking systems taken into account in college football. Here, there are 60 sports reporters (including writers and broadcasters) with extensive experience in college football.
Like the Coaches Poll, all the members of the panel must vote for the teams they consider to be the best 25 in the season, each submitting a different order. The AP poll also uses the same system as the Coaches Poll (i.e., 23 points for a third-place vote). They may also specify the relevant factors when deciding the votes.
The AP publishes a top 25 list before the season starts. Then, new poll results are published throughout the week as the season continues.
Do rankings matter in college football betting?
When it comes to betting, any piece of information you think may be useful matters. The best betting strategies always involve research to a certain degree. Therefore, it is highly recommended to examine the teams included in each of these polls and compare their places within their lists.
However, keep in mind that these are only lists. It’s impossible for them to reveal whether a team will “cover the spread” against another team, for instance. However, some sportsbooks take into account these rankings when deciding the betting lines. Therefore, thoroughly examining the rankings can help you know how oddsmakers find “the value” in each team and potential mistakes within their listings.
There are different approaches to this, but you sure can get vital information by taking your time to analyze the rankings and the position of each team.
FAQs
Are pick plays legal in college football?
Pick plays are legal in college football as long as they are executed properly and do not result in offensive pass interference. According to the NCAA football rulebook, a pick play is defined as “a play designed to take advantage of the position of a stationary player who is not attempting to play the ball.” As long as the play is not designed to initiate contact with a defender and does not create an “immediate and severe” restriction of the defender’s ability to move, it is considered legal. However, if the offensive player initiates contact with the defender, it is considered offensive pass interference and results in a 15-yard penalty.
How long is college football half time?
According to NCAA rules, halftime in college football should be 20 minutes. However, it can be shortened before the game “by mutual agreement of the administrations of both schools.”.
Who are the best linebackers in college football?
The best linebackers in college football can vary depending on personal opinions and performance throughout the season. However, here are some of the top linebackers in college football for the 2021-2022 season, as recognized by various sources:
1. Devin Lloyd, Utah
2. Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
3. Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma
4. Mike Rose, Iowa State
5. Christian Harris, Alabama
6. Ventrell Miller, Florida
7. Owen Pappoe, Auburn
8. Carlton Martial, Troy
9. Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington
10. Jack Sanborn, Wisconsin
These players have shown exceptional skills in tackling, pass coverage, and rushing the quarterback, and have received recognition from various sources such as ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and Pro Football Focus.
Who is the Best kicker in college football?
The best kicker in college football can vary depending on personal opinions and performance throughout the season. However, here are some of the top kickers in college football for the 2021-2022 season, as recognized by various sources:
1. Matt Araiza, San Diego State
2. Cade York, LSU
3. Jake Moody, Michigan
4. Alex Raynor, Georgia
5. Christopher Dunn, NC State
6. Jake Oldroyd, BYU
7. Cameron Dicker, Texas
8. James Turner, Kentucky
9. Charles Campbell, Indiana
10. Gabe Brkic, Oklahoma
These players have shown exceptional skills in making field goals and extra points, and have received recognition from various sources such as ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and Pro Football Focus.
What to wear to a college football game
What to wear to a college football game can vary depending on the weather, the team you are supporting, and personal style. Here are some general tips to help you dress appropriately for a college football game:
1. Wear your team’s colors: Show your support for your team by wearing their colors. You can wear a team jersey, t-shirt, or hat.
2. Dress in layers: Fall weather can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers. Wear a t-shirt or sweatshirt under a jacket or coat that you can easily remove if it gets too warm.
3. Comfortable shoes: You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking and standing, so wear comfortable shoes. Sneakers or boots are a good choice.
4. Consider the weather: Check the weather forecast before the game and dress accordingly. If it’s going to be sunny, wear sunglasses and a hat. If it’s going to be cold, wear a warm coat, gloves, and a hat.
5. Check the stadium rules: Some college stadiums have implemented strict policies regarding purse sizes and styles. Check the stadium rules before choosing your handbag. If you want to play it safe, start using a clear stadium handbag that’s designed for concerts and stadiums.
