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BYU Football: 3 ways preseason rankings are still hurting current rankings

By Adam Gibby

Sep 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) runs for a first down against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) runs for a first down against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 4, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Ben Bywater (33) celebrates with Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Drew Jensen (46) after a missed field goal attempt by the Arizona Wildcats at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Ben Bywater (33) celebrates with Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Drew Jensen (46) after a missed field goal attempt by the Arizona Wildcats at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

Current Effect

While most of the teams that never really had any business being in the Top 25 are now out, the effect of those early polls is still being felt today. Looking at just the AP Top 15 teams here is how preseason rankings have affected them.

  1. Alabama – Deserves to be here – No change
  2. Georgia -Beat a struggling Clemson team, dominate in other games – drop one spot.
  3. Oregon – Two solid wins against Ohio State and Fresno State – No change
  4. Penn State – Beat an overrated Wisconsin, and Auburn team that still doesn’t have a good win – Drop a few spots
  5. Iowa – Beat two ranked teams that turn out not to be very good – Drop a few spots
  6. Oklahoma – Very close calls with Nebraska and WVU. No good wins – Drop quite a few spots.
  7. Cincinnati – Dominant in all games. Has done nothing to show they’ve dropped off from last year. Move up a few spots.
  8. Arkansas – Best resume in the country with wins against a good Texas A&M and Texas teams. Move up a lot
  9. Notre Dame – Beat an overrated Wisconsin team, close calls in other games including to 0-4 Florida State. Move down a bit.
  10. Florida – Close loss to Alabama, dominate in other games. Move up a bit.
  11. Ohio State – No impressive wins, loss to Oregon at home. Drop a spot or two.
  12. Ole Miss – Decent win against Louisville. Offensive juggernaut. Move up a spot or two.
  13. BYU – Three P5 wins, move up a few spots
  14. Michigan – Good win against Washington. Move up a spot or two.
  15. Texas A&M – No impressive wins. Lost to Arkansas and nearly lost to 1-3 Colorado. Drop a bunch.

I believe that if the AP were to rank teams today without any rankings in the preseason we would have something that looks like this.

  1. Alabama
  2. Arkansas
  3. Georgia
  4. Cincinnati
  5. Oregon
  6. Penn State
  7. Florida
  8. Ole Miss
  9. BYU
  10. Iowa
  11. Oklahoma
  12. Michigan
  13. Notre Dame
  14. Coastal Carolina
  15. Ohio State

Perhaps there would be some blueblood ranking favoritism still existing, but the rankings would at least be more accurate and not take into account overrated wins or losses.

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