In the world of college football analytics, numerous ranking systems attempt to objectively evaluate team performance. One lesser-known but intriguing model is Kalimac Hogpen’s Football Ranking, a unique formula developed by an independent analyst. This article explores how this system works, its methodology, and how it compares to more established rankings like the AP Poll or College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings.
Table of Contents
Who Is Kalimac Hogpen?
Kalimac Hogpen is a pseudonymous college football statistician known for developing an alternative ranking system. Unlike mainstream polls, Hogpen’s approach relies on:
- Mathematical formulas rather than human voting
- Strength of schedule adjustments
- Margin of victory considerations (with diminishing returns for blowouts)
- Recency weighting (later games matter slightly more)
The rankings are typically shared on sports analytics forums and niche college football communities rather than through official media channels.
How Does the Hogpen Ranking System Work?
Key Components of the Formula
-
- Base Performance ScoreWin/loss record
- Points scored vs. points allowed
- Adjustments for overtime games
- Strength of Schedule ModifierOpponents’ win percentages
- Quality of wins (beating ranked teams boosts score)
- Game Control FactorMeasures how dominant a team was in victories
- Close wins vs. weak opponents may not help as much as expected
- Temporal WeightingLate-season games have slightly more influence than early matchups
Comparison to Other Ranking Systems
Ranking SystemHuman Input?Uses MOV?SOS WeightPublicly Available?
Hogpen No Yes (capped) Heavy Limited
AP Poll Yes (voters) No Medium Yes
CFP Committee No High Yes
SP+ (ESPN) No Yes Very High Yes
Where to Find Kalimac Hogpen’s Rankings
Unlike mainstream rankings, Hogpen’s system isn’t published on major sports platforms. It can typically be found in:
- College football analytics forums
- Independent sports blogs
- Niche social media threads (e.g., Reddit’s CFB analytics community)
FAQs About Kalimac Hogpen’s Football Rankings
1. How accurate are these rankings historically?
Hogpen’s model has occasionally predicted upsets before mainstream polls adjusted, but like all systems, it has blind spots.
2. Why isn’t this ranking more popular?
Lack of official publishing channels and reliance on math over narrative limits its mainstream appeal.
3. Does it predict playoff teams better than the CFP?
In some seasons, yes—particularly for teams with strong schedules that human polls undervalue.
4. Are NFL teams factored into the formula?
No, this is strictly a college football ranking system.
5. Can I use this for betting or fantasy?
It’s more useful for evaluating team strength than direct gambling applications, but some analysts cross-reference it.
Conclusion
Kalimac Hogpen’s Football Ranking offers a purely analytical alternative to traditional polls. While not as widely recognized as the AP or CFP rankings, it provides a data-driven perspective that can be valuable for hardcore fans and analysts.
For those tired of human biases in rankings, exploring systems like Hogpen’s can offer fresh insights into team performance—just don’t expect to see it on ESPN anytime soon.
