I apologize for the late release (blame the travel), but here are the Gus Rankings for Week 4.
A few brief notes:
- As expected, the variation in scores continues to increase. The top of the list, Iowa and Virginia Tech, have 7 points, and there is a consistent spread all the way to -5 points. Ties in points and record are becoming less frequent; Gus produces individual rankings for the top 7 teams.
- Washington is still strong despite two losses; USC's success and, more surprisingly, Idaho's success-- three wins each-- are driving their high ranking. Of the two games they've lost-- Stanford and LSU-- only Stanford has lost one other game.
Playing successful teams is how you do well in this ranking system. Washington, at 2 losses, is ranked higher than 9 other teams that don't have a D-IA loss yet.
- Rice has taken a sizable lead as the team #120, with -8 points, three "ahead" of #119 at -5 points. Rice hasn't won any games this year, so the following statement holds for the Owls: Rice has lost four games to D-IA opponents that, combined, have lost 8 other games to D-IA teams. Rice is one degree of separation from 12 losses only 4 weeks into the season.
- I didn't realize this until recently, but the Gus rankings also serve as a quick check to determine bowl eligibility, since only D-IA games count. Get to 6 wins and you're eligible!
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2 comments:
Rice (my alma mater) is on track to have one of the biggest record drops from one season to the next in D1A history. Rice was 10-3 last year and is bad enough this year to lose the rest of their games (there is little doubt Rice will lose their next three games - vs Tulsa, vs Navy, at ECU).
The current worst drop - Tulane 12-0 in '98 and 3-8 in '99.
The Wolverines are going to plummet in the Gus rankings this week, losing to Mich State who lost to Central Michigan... ouch!
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