By: David Ware (@davidware)
The Wareforce Power Index ratings is coming back for Season 22, but not quite yet. The first ratings will drop after Week 3. This is because the algorithm needs more than one week to create realistic rankings.
In the meantime, we will look at some games from week one that will have major implications for some teams. Keep in mind that the Wareforce Power Index Ratings are not league official ratings and they are here to provide some content and maybe even some context on how some teams are performing this year.
The Wareforce Power Index is all stat-based much like the old NCAA BCS system so it will surely have some flaws to it, but the insight and conversations are always fun to watch. Here is a look at the final rankings from Season 21 Week 8!
Season 22 Week 1
Last season, we saw the then-defending champions USC Trojans not looking that sharp in the Index Ratings and it caused a lot of fuss with the masses in league chat. This year we have the USC Trojans who are now back-to-back defending champions and they opened the season with a bang.
The Trojans looked like a team on a mission with everything to prove even though they are back-to-back champs. The number one ranked Trojans were shut out in the fourth quarter and had to stave off a hungry 4th ranked Texas A&M Aggies to seal the 28-23 win at home. This win will carry a lot of weight and should look strong for the Trojans in their non-conference games. They do have to face currently #2 ranked Auburn Tigers next week for the rematch of the Season 20 National Championship rematch. The Tigers are coming off a very tough loss to the Florida State Seminoles, but there is no way that USC can think any less of them and they better bring everything they have to try and secure the win in Week 2.
What was supposed to be a down year for Kentucky may not be a down year after all. They have a new AD this year but the same amazing offense as Kentucky put up 62 points in two overtimes only to lose by a field goal to the Miami Hurricanes. Miami held the early lead in this game but the Wildcats scored 25 points in the third quarter to put themselves back in the game.
The reason this game is so impactful is that both of these teams are constantly in the playoffs but will be part of some vicious conference battles this year. Every win and every loss will matter and for Kentucky, while they took the loss the fact that it was Miami and it was so intense and close, will help them as they fight for their right to (you thought I was gonna say party, and if not then I am disappointed) participate in the playoffs. I would venture to say one of these teams will be relying on a vote-in spot and the weight of their schedule will come into play.
There is no doubt that this past week has been one of the greatest weeks in the history of the CFSL, as only three of the games did not come down to the final drive. We always know that Week 1 can cause chaos and there are so many unknowns when it comes to game planning, but this year the ADs and coaching staffs put in the work and put on some amazing shows. The best part of the week was the viewership as twice in one week we set the regular season record for viewers! Let’s keep this same energy into next week as we get ready for some more amazing CFSL football.
Until Next Time, Keep Your Game Face On, and Your Spirits High
