With the close of the 2012 college football season, it’s time to look at the final strength of schedule (SOS) rankings.
National Champion Alabama’s schedule ended up being ranked 33rd by the NCAA. Their highest strength of schedule ranking was from Kenneth Massey, who rated the Tide 3rd.
Notre Dame was rated first in Phil Steele’s preseason rankings. Their schedule was rated 8th by the NCAA and Colley Matrix and 7th by Kenneth Massey.
For comparison purposes, the preseason Top 10 strength of schedule rankings from Phil Steele are listed first. Click the title to view the complete rankings for each source.
PRESEASON STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE RANKINGS
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Notre Dame’s schedule was ranked preseason number one by Phil Steele primarily due to games against Miami (FL), Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Stanford, and USC. Ole Miss’ schedule finished ranked in the Top 10 only in Kenneth Massey’s poll. Florida’s schedule strength ended up being ranked in the Top 5 of every poll except Anderson & Hester.
FINAL STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE RANKINGS
NCAA (vs. FBS & FCS)
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This NCAA ranking is based solely on the winning percentage of past opponents. Florida’s opponents (109 wins, 44 losses) had 11 more wins than 2nd place Missouri (98-45) and 9 more wins than 3rd place Texas A&M (100-52). National Champion Alabama’s schedule was ranked 33rd. Their opponents had 94 wins and 67 losses.
Anderson & Hester (BCS)
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Anderson & Hester’s strength of schedule rankings include 5 of the 10 Big 12 teams with Kansas taking the top spot. Missouri, who played their first season in the SEC, comes in at 2nd. Alabama’s schedule is ranked 35th.
Colley Matrix (BCS)
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The Top 6 of the Colley Matrix is all SEC teams with the exception of the 4th spot which is held by Kansas. Notre Dame’s schedule is ranked 8th, which is the same ranking as the NCAA method. Alabama’s schedule is ranked 21st.
Jeff Sagarin (BCS)
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Continuing a pattern, Big 12 teams occupy the entire Top 10 in Sagarin’s strength of schedule ratings. Kansas is ranked 1st, as they were in Anderson & Hester and the Colley Matrix. The Jayhawks’ non-conference slate included Northern Illinois (MAC Champions) and at Georgia Tech. Alabama’s schedule is ranked 19th.
Kenneth Massey (BCS)
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The SEC dominates strength of schedule in Kenneth Massey’s ratings. SEC teams occupy the Top 6 spots, plus 8th and 10th place. National Champion Alabama is ranked 3rd, while Notre Dame is 7th.