Colley's Bias Free Matrix Rankings An Official Bowl Championship Series Ranking for 2001–2006
The Colley Matrix Method
(Please note: This method is copyright. I present it here for
anybody to peruse and evaluate, and perhaps use for personal
amusement. Please contact
me directly, however, before using it for any other purpose)
Colley's matrix method for ranking college football teams is explained in
detail, with many examples and explicit derivations. The method is based on
very simple statistical principles, and uses only wins and losses as
input—margin of victory does not matter. The scheme adjusts effectively
for strength of schedule, in a way that is free of bias toward conference,
tradition, or region. Comparison of rankings produced by this method to those
produced by the press polls shows that despite its simplicity, the scheme
produces common sense results.
This method focuses more on "deservedness" to play in the national championship game than it does predictiveness, per se, which may be of more interest to some fans and bookmakers, who often consider margin of victory, injuries and other factors in assessing the possible outcome of a particular game.
Addendum: FCS games are now used in the Colley Matrix ranking system.
See this page for an explanation.
Wesley N. Colley
