It's strictly a schedule/results-based poll. If a team doesn't report their scores, they're not ranked. It's a good system in theory, but without everyone reporting scores, it does have some flaws (especially at this point of the season where 3 games played is the minimum).
Straight from the site:
How the MaxPreps Computer Rankings work
An explanation of the MaxPreps Computer Rankings.
How It Works!
(A brief explanation of the factors that affect the MaxPreps Rankings system...)
MaxPreps uses a computer program to determine team rank. We do not poll coaches, sportswriters, or fans. Nor does our staff make any judgments on the merits of any individual team. Prior season history, school size, and comments on message boards are not considered in the MaxPreps Computer Rankings.
The system utilizes the huge number of game results stored in the MaxPreps database. Generally, the more a team wins the higher the ranking, but the system takes into account quality wins (against other highly ranked opponents) and strength of schedule.
For example, a team's ranking is hurt more by losing to a team that is ranked below them verses a team ranked ahead.
Other factors that will affect the rankings are times when MaxPreps has incomplete or inaccurate information. We will correct errors when they are reported to us. If we are missing a score, report it to us on the team's MaxPreps page. If we are missing a game on the schedule, send us a correction request.
Playoff wins are weighed higher compared to a regular season game.
Movement indicates the up or down movement within the rankings when compared to our previously published rankings.
http://www.maxpreps....nkings-work.htm
Edited by Hagen, 01 September 2015 - 12:59 PM.
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