What was the Poling System?

The Poling System was a mathematical rating system developed specifically for ranking college football teams. This system was used to determine national champions in college football for several decades.

Who developed the Poling System?

The Poling System was developed by Richard R. Poling.

What was Richard R. Poling's background?

Richard R. Poling was a native of Mansfield, Ohio, and had played college football at Ohio Wesleyan University before creating his ranking system.

What is the NCAA's classification of the Poling System?

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) recognizes the Poling System as a "major selector" of national championships in college football.

For which period did the NCAA recognize the Poling System as a major selector of national championships?

The NCAA recognized the Poling System as a major selector of national championships for the years spanning from 1935 through 1984.

Did the Poling System only rank contemporary champions, or did it also consider past seasons?

The Poling System named contemporary champions from 1935 to 1984, but it also retroactively selected national champions for the earlier period of 1924 to 1934.

Who did the Poling System retroactively select as the national champion for 1924, and what was their record?

The Poling System retroactively selected Notre Dame as the national champion for the 1924 season. Their record for that year was 10 wins and 0 losses.

Which team did the Poling System name as the 1925 and 1926 national champion, and who coached them?

The Poling System named Alabama as the national champion for both the 1925 and 1926 seasons. Wallace Wade was the coach for the Alabama team in both of those years.

Who was the Poling System's champion in 1927 and 1928, and what were their records?

In 1927, the Poling System selected Georgia as the champion with a record of 9 wins and 1 loss. For 1928, Georgia Tech was named the champion with a perfect record of 10 wins and 0 losses.

Which teams did the Poling System recognize as champions in 1929, 1930, and 1931, and who were their coaches?

The Poling System recognized Notre Dame as the champion in 1929 with a 9-0 record and again in 1930 with a 10-0 record, both coached by Knute Rockne. In 1931, USC was selected as the champion with a 10-1 record under coach Howard Jones.

Who did the Poling System select as the 1932 and 1933 national champions, and what were their records?

The Poling System selected USC as the national champion for 1932 with a perfect 10-0 record, coached by Howard Jones. In 1933, Michigan was named the champion with a record of 7 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie, coached by Harry Kipke.

Who was the Poling System's champion in 1934, and what was their record?

The Poling System selected Alabama as the national champion for the 1934 season, achieving a perfect record of 10 wins and 0 losses under coach Frank Thomas.

Who did the Poling System name as the national champion in 1935 and 1936, and who coached these teams?

The Poling System named Minnesota as the national champion for both 1935 and 1936. Bernie Bierman coached the Minnesota team in both of those championship seasons.

Which team did the Poling System select as the 1937 champion, and what was their record?

The Poling System selected Pittsburgh as the national champion for the 1937 season, with a record of 9 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie, under the coaching of Jock Sutherland.

Who was the Poling System's champion in 1938 and 1939, and what were their records?

In 1938, the Poling System selected Tennessee as the champion with an 11-0 record. For 1939, Texas A&M was named the champion with an 11-0 record, coached by Homer H. Norton.

What was the record and coach for the 1940 Poling System champion, Stanford?

The Poling System identified Stanford as the national champion for 1940 with a record of 10 wins and 0 losses, coached by Clark Shaughnessy.

Which team did the Poling System name as champion in 1941 and 1942, and who coached them?

The Poling System named Minnesota as the champion in 1941 with an 8-0 record, coached by Bernie Bierman. In 1942, Georgia was selected as the champion with an 11-1 record under coach Wally Butts.

Who did the Poling System select as the 1943 national champion, and what was their record?

The Poling System selected Notre Dame as the national champion for 1943, achieving a record of 9 wins and 1 loss under coach Frank Leahy.

Which teams did the Poling System recognize as champions in 1944 and 1945, and who coached them?

The Poling System recognized Army as the national champion for both 1944 and 1945. Earl Blaik coached the Army team in both of those championship seasons, with records of 9-0 for both years.

Who were the co-champions recognized by the Poling System in 1946, and what were their records?

In 1946, the Poling System recognized two co-champions: Army with a record of 9 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie, coached by Earl Blaik, and Notre Dame with a record of 8 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie, coached by Frank Leahy.

Which team did the Poling System name as champion in 1947 and 1948, and who coached them?

The Poling System named Michigan as the national champion for 1947 with a 10-0 record under coach Fritz Crisler. In 1948, Michigan again received the championship designation with a 9-0 record, coached by Bennie Oosterbaan.

Who was the Poling System's champion in 1949 and 1950, and what were their records?

In 1949, the Poling System selected Notre Dame as the champion with a 10-0 record, coached by Frank Leahy. For 1950, Princeton was named the champion with a 9-0 record under coach Charley Caldwell.

Which team did the Poling System recognize as the 1951 national champion, and who coached them?

The Poling System recognized Michigan State as the national champion for 1951, achieving a perfect record of 9 wins and 0 losses under coach Biggie Munn.

Who did the Poling System select as the 1952 national champion, and what was their record?

The Poling System selected Georgia Tech as the national champion for 1952. They finished the season with a record of 12 wins and 0 losses, coached by Bobby Dodd.

What were the records and coaches for the Poling System champions in 1953 and 1954?

In 1953, Notre Dame was named the champion by the Poling System with a record of 9 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie, coached by Frank Leahy. In 1954, Ohio State was selected as the champion with a 10-0 record under coach Woody Hayes.

Which teams did the Poling System name as champions in 1955 and 1956, and who coached them?

The Poling System named Oklahoma as the national champion for both 1955 and 1956. Bud Wilkinson coached the Oklahoma team in both of those championship seasons, with records of 11-0 in 1955 and 10-0 in 1956.

Who was the Poling System's champion in 1957 and 1958, and what were their records?

In 1957, the Poling System selected Auburn as the champion with a 10-0 record, coached by Ralph Jordan. For 1958, LSU was named the champion with an 11-0 record under coach Paul Dietzel.

Which team did the Poling System recognize as the 1959 national champion, and who coached them?

The Poling System recognized Syracuse as the national champion for 1959, achieving a perfect record of 11 wins and 0 losses under coach Ben Schwartzwalder.

Who did the Poling System select as the 1960 national champion, and what was their record?

The Poling System selected Missouri as the national champion for 1960. They finished the season with a record of 11 wins and 0 losses, coached by Dan Devine.

What was the record and coach for the 1961 Poling System champion?

The Poling System identified Ohio State as the national champion for 1961 with a record of 8 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie, coached by Woody Hayes.

Which team did the Poling System name as champion in 1962 and 1963, and who coached them?

The Poling System named USC as the national champion for 1962 with an 11-0 record, coached by John McKay. In 1963, Texas was selected as the champion with an 11-0 record under coach Darrell Royal.

Who was the Poling System's champion in 1964 and 1965, and what were their records?

In 1964, the Poling System selected Arkansas as the champion with a 11-0 record, coached by Frank Broyles. For 1965, Michigan State was named the champion with a 10-1 record under coach Duffy Daugherty.

Which team did the Poling System recognize as the 1966 national champion, and who coached them?

The Poling System recognized Notre Dame as the national champion for 1966, achieving a record of 9 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie under coach Ara Parseghian.

Who did the Poling System select as the 1967 national champion, and what was their record?

The Poling System selected Oklahoma as the national champion for 1967. They finished the season with a record of 10 wins and 1 loss, coached by Chuck Fairbanks.

What was the record and coach for the 1968 Poling System champion?

The Poling System identified Ohio State as the national champion for 1968 with a record of 10 wins and 0 losses, coached by Woody Hayes.

Which team did the Poling System name as champion in 1969 and 1970, and who coached them?

The Poling System named Texas as the national champion for 1969 with an 11-0 record, coached by Darrell Royal. In 1970, Arizona State was selected as the champion with an 11-0 record under coach Frank Kush.

Who was the Poling System's champion in 1971 and 1972, and what were their records?

In 1971, the Poling System selected Nebraska as the champion with a 13-0 record, coached by Bob Devaney. For 1972, USC was named the champion with an 12-0 record under coach John McKay.

Who were the co-champions recognized by the Poling System in 1973, and what were their records?

In 1973, the Poling System recognized two co-champions: Michigan with a record of 10 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie, coached by Bo Schembechler, and Ohio State with a record of 10 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie, coached by Woody Hayes.

Which team did the Poling System recognize as the 1974 national champion, and who coached them?

The Poling System recognized Oklahoma as the national champion for 1974, achieving a record of 11 wins and 0 losses under coach Barry Switzer.

Who did the Poling System select as the 1975 national champion, and what was their record?

The Poling System selected Ohio State as the national champion for 1975. They finished the season with a record of 11 wins and 1 loss, coached by Woody Hayes.

What was the record and coach for the 1976 Poling System champion?

The Poling System identified Pittsburgh as the national champion for 1976 with a record of 12 wins and 0 losses, coached by Johnny Majors.

Which team did the Poling System name as champion in 1977 and 1978, and who coached them?

The Poling System named Notre Dame as the national champion for 1977 with an 11-1 record, coached by Dan Devine. In 1978, Oklahoma was selected as the champion with an 11-1 record under coach Barry Switzer.

Who was the Poling System's champion in 1979 and 1980, and what were their records?

In 1979, the Poling System selected Alabama as the champion with a 12-0 record, coached by Paul "Bear" Bryant. For 1980, Georgia was named the champion with a 12-0 record under coach Vince Dooley.

Which team did the Poling System recognize as the 1981 national champion, and who coached them?

The Poling System recognized Clemson as the national champion for 1981, achieving a perfect record of 12 wins and 0 losses under coach Danny Ford.

Who did the Poling System select as the 1982 national champion, and what was their record?

The Poling System selected Penn State as the national champion for 1982. They finished the season with a record of 11 wins and 1 loss, coached by Joe Paterno.

What was the record and coach for the 1983 Poling System champion?

The Poling System identified Nebraska as the national champion for 1983 with a record of 12 wins and 1 loss, coached by Tom Osborne.

Who was the Poling System's champion in 1984, and what was their record?

The Poling System selected BYU as the national champion for 1984. They finished the season with a perfect record of 13 wins and 0 losses, coached by LaVell Edwards.

How many times did Notre Dame appear as a Poling System champion?

Notre Dame was recognized as a national champion by the Poling System a total of six times: in the retrospective years of 1924, 1929, and 1930, and in the contemporary years of 1943, 1949, and 1953.

Which coaches had multiple teams recognized as national champions by the Poling System?

Several coaches had multiple teams recognized by the Poling System. Knute Rockne coached Notre Dame to championships in 1924, 1929, and 1930. Wallace Wade coached Alabama to championships in 1925 and 1926. Howard Jones coached USC to championships in 1931 and 1932. Bernie Bierman coached Minnesota to championships in 1935, 1936, and 1941. Earl Blaik coached Army to championships in 1944 and 1945. Frank Leahy coached Notre Dame to championships in 1943, 1949, and 1953. Woody Hayes coached Ohio State to championships in 1954, 1961, 1968, and 1975. Bud Wilkinson coached Oklahoma to championships in 1955 and 1956. John McKay coached USC to championships in 1962 and 1972. Darrell Royal coached Texas to championships in 1963 and 1969. Barry Switzer coached Oklahoma to championships in 1974 and 1978.

How many national championships did Woody Hayes' teams win according to the Poling System?

Woody Hayes' teams were recognized as national champions by the Poling System four times. These occurred with Ohio State in the years 1954 (10-0 record), 1961 (8-0-1 record), 1968 (10-0 record), and 1975 (11-1 record).

Which teams were recognized as national champions by the Poling System in the 1940s?

In the 1940s, the Poling System recognized Stanford (1940), Minnesota (1941), Georgia (1942), Notre Dame (1943), Army (1944, 1945), and Michigan (1947, 1948) as national champions. In 1946, both Army and Notre Dame were recognized as co-champions.

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System Overview

A Mathematical Approach

The Poling System was a sophisticated mathematical rating system meticulously designed to rank college football teams. Developed by Richard R. Poling, this system provided a quantitative method for evaluating team performance and establishing national hierarchies.

Public Recognition

The selections and rankings generated by the Poling System were widely disseminated. They were prominently featured in the Football Review Supplement and published across numerous newspapers, ensuring broad visibility among college football enthusiasts and analysts.

NCAA Recognition

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) officially recognizes the Poling System as a "major selector" of national championships. Its influence spanned a significant period, contributing to the determination of champions from 1935 through 1984.

System Mechanics

Algorithmic Foundation

As a mathematical rating system, the Poling System relied on a proprietary algorithm to assign numerical values to teams based on their performance. While the exact formula is not detailed in the source, its purpose was to objectively compare teams across different schedules and outcomes.

Temporal Scope

The system's impact extended across several decades of college football history. It named contemporary champions for the seasons spanning 1935 to 1984. Furthermore, the system was applied retroactively to identify champions for the earlier period of 1924 to 1934.

Data Publication

The system's methodology and results were consistently published, providing a consistent reference point for evaluating team rankings. This regular publication ensured that the system's influence was maintained throughout its operational years.

Origins and History

The Architect: Richard R. Poling

The Poling System was conceived and developed by Richard R. Poling. A native of Mansfield, Ohio, Poling possessed a deep understanding of the sport, having played college football himself at Ohio Wesleyan University. This background likely informed his approach to creating a robust ranking methodology.

Historical Context

The system's active period, from 1935 to 1984, covers a transformative era in college football. Its role as a major selector of national championships during this time highlights its significance in shaping the historical narrative of the sport.

Retroactive Selections

Poling's system also extended its analytical reach into the past, providing retroactive selections for national championships from 1924 to 1934. This retrospective application offers valuable insights into the sport's earlier decades.

Champions Recognized

Poling System Selections

The Poling System identified national champions for numerous seasons. The following table details these selections, including the recognized champion, their record, and head coach, as documented by the NCAA.

Season	Champion(s)	Record	Coach
Retrospective selections
1924	Notre Dame	10–0	Knute Rockne
1925	Alabama	10–0	Wallace Wade
1926	Alabama	9–0–1	Wallace Wade
1927	Georgia	9–1	George Cecil Woodruff
1928	Georgia Tech	10–0	William Alexander
1929	Notre Dame	9–0	Knute Rockne
1930	Notre Dame	10–0	Knute Rockne
1931	USC	10–1	Howard Jones
1932	USC	10–0	Howard Jones
1933	Michigan	7–0–1	Harry Kipke
1934	Alabama	10–0	Frank Thomas
Poling System rating
1935	Minnesota	8–0	Bernie Bierman
1936	Minnesota	7–1	Bernie Bierman
1937	Pittsburgh	9–0–1	Jock Sutherland
1938	Tennessee	11–0	Robert Neyland
1939	Texas A&M	11–0	Homer Norton
1940	Stanford	10–0	Clark Shaughnessy
1941	Minnesota	8–0	Bernie Bierman
1942	Georgia	11–1	Wally Butts
1943	Notre Dame	9–1	Frank Leahy
1944	Army	9–0	Earl Blaik
1945	Army	9–0	Earl Blaik
1946	Army	9–0–1	Earl Blaik
1946	Notre Dame	8–0–1	Frank Leahy
1947	Michigan	10–0	Fritz Crisler
1948	Michigan	9–0	Bennie Oosterbaan
1949	Notre Dame	10–0	Frank Leahy
1950	Princeton	9–0	Charley Caldwell
1951	Michigan State	9–0	Biggie Munn
1952	Georgia Tech	12–0	Bobby Dodd
1953	Notre Dame	9–0–1	Frank Leahy
1954	Ohio State	10–0	Woody Hayes
1955	Oklahoma	11–0	Bud Wilkinson
1956	Oklahoma	10–0	Bud Wilkinson
1957	Auburn	10–0	Ralph Jordan
1958	LSU	11–0	Paul Dietzel
1959	Syracuse	11–0	Ben Schwartzwalder
1960	Missouri	11–0	Dan Devine
1961	Ohio State	8–0–1	Woody Hayes
1962	USC	11–0	John McKay
1963	Texas	11–0	Darrell Royal
1964	Arkansas	11–0	Frank Broyles
1965	Michigan State	10–1	Duffy Daugherty
1966	Notre Dame	9–0–1	Ara Parseghian
1967	Oklahoma	10–1	Chuck Fairbanks
1968	Ohio State	10–0	Woody Hayes
1969	Texas	11–0	Darrell Royal
1970	Arizona State	11–0	Frank Kush
1971	Nebraska	13–0	Bob Devaney
1972	USC	12–0	John McKay
1973	Michigan	10–0–1	Bo Schembechler
1973	Ohio State	10–0–1	Woody Hayes
1974	Oklahoma	11–0	Barry Switzer
1975	Ohio State	11–1	Woody Hayes
1976	Pittsburgh	12–0	Johnny Majors
1977	Notre Dame	11–1	Dan Devine
1978	Oklahoma	11–1	Barry Switzer
1979	Alabama	12–0	Paul "Bear" Bryant
1980	Georgia	12–0	Vince Dooley
1981	Clemson	12–0	Danny Ford
1982	Penn State	11–1	Joe Paterno
1983	Nebraska	12–1	Tom Osborne
1984	BYU	13–0	LaVell Edwards

Sources

Reference Material

The information presented on this page is derived from the following sources:

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) (2017). "National Poll Rankings". NCAA Division I FBS Football Records. pp. 108–109, 111–114.
Poling, Richard R. (1941). "Top Teams of 1940". The 1940 Supplement of the Football Review. Mansfield, Ohio: Poling's Football Ratings.
Poling, Richard R. "Poling’s Football Review Supplement, 1940" (1941). John Gunn Sports Collection, Box: 422. Center for Southeast North Carolina Archives and History, William M. Randall Library, University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Poling, Richard R. (1981). "Poling's National Champions over the Years". Supplement for the 1981 Football Season. Mansfield, Ohio: Poling's Football Ratings — The 1981 Football Review.

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References

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date regarding historical sports statistics.

This is not official NCAA data or endorsement. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official NCAA records or engaging with sports historians for definitive historical analysis. Always refer to primary sources and expert analysis for critical historical details.

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The Poling System Chronicle

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System Overview 📊

🔢 A Mathematical Approach

📰 Public Recognition

🏆 NCAA Recognition

System Mechanics ⚙️

📐 Algorithmic Foundation

🗓️ Temporal Scope

📚 Data Publication

Origins and History 📜

👨‍🏫 The Architect: Richard R. Poling

⏳ Historical Context

📈 Retroactive Selections

Champions Recognized 🏆

🏅 Poling System Selections

Sources 🔗

📄 Reference Material

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

System Overview

A Mathematical Approach

Public Recognition

NCAA Recognition

System Mechanics

Algorithmic Foundation

Temporal Scope

Data Publication

Origins and History

The Architect: Richard R. Poling

Historical Context

Retroactive Selections

Champions Recognized

Poling System Selections

Sources

Reference Material

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice