A comprehensive guide to advanced team evaluation using the "Big 5" framework with depth ratings and synergy calculations
Modern college football emphasizes pass-heavy, spread offense systems where specific position groups dominate team success. Our updated weights reflect this reality.
QB & DL (18% each)
QB decision making crucial in spread/RPO systems. DL pass rush disrupts timing-based offenses.
OL (16%)
Pass protection enables explosive passing attacks in modern offenses.
DB & WR (14%, 13%)
Coverage essential against modern passing games. WR create explosive mismatches.
LB (10%)
Less relevant with more 3-4 wide receiver sets and nickel packages.
RB & ST (6%, 5%)
RB more replaceable in spread/RPO offenses. ST has occasional impact.
"Elite depth can elevate a team when starters are injured or need rest"
Applied as final multipliers to offensive and defensive unit scores
Applies to QB, OL, WR, RB (56% of total weight)
Applies to DL, DB, LB (42% of total weight)
Same multipliers as offensive depth:
* Special Teams (5%) not affected by depth multipliers
Team A: Elite Depth (5★)
Team B: Poor Depth (1★)
Total Difference: 11 points (24% swing)
"Elite supporting casts can elevate struggling quarterbacks"
Only applies to QBs ranked worse than 25th - Maximum 45% penalty reduction
| Supporting Unit | Elite (≤5) | Very Good (6-10) | Good (11-20) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offensive Line | +15% penalty reduction | +12% penalty reduction | +8% penalty reduction |
| Wide Receiver | +15% penalty reduction | +12% penalty reduction | +6% penalty reduction |
| Running Back | +12% penalty reduction | +9% penalty reduction | +5% penalty reduction |
QB ≤10 AND WR >20
QB ≤10 AND WR ≤10
OL ≤10 AND RB >20
OL ≤10 AND RB ≤10
OL ≤20 AND RB >30
DL ≤10 AND LB >20
DL ≤10 AND LB ≤10
DL ≤10 AND DB >20
DL ≤10 AND DB ≤10
Most explosive position in college football
Most disruptive position
Elite decision makers
Depth Bonus: 6+ Very Good units (≤10th) = +2% if <3 elite units
Rewards teams with consistent quality across positions
"Terrible coverage gets exposed in pass-heavy offenses"
| DB Ranking | Base Penalty | With Elite DL | With Good DL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worse than 35th | -15% | -6% | -10.5% |
Pass rush pressure helps coverage significantly
"Bad pass protection hurts multiple positions"
| OL Ranking | QB Impact | RB Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Worse than 45th | -10% | -10% |
Poor protection affects both passing and running games
"Elite units working together create championship teams"
Championship tier depth
CFP contender level
Solid foundation
"Elite defense across all three levels"
DL + LB + DB all ≤10th
Strong defensive foundation
"Controlling both lines of scrimmage"
OL ≤15th AND DL ≤15th
Physical, powerful team identity
If QB >25th, calculate penalty reduction from supporting units
QB/WR, OL/RB, DL/LB, DL/DB combinations
Position-specific bonuses + transcendent talent
Bad DB penalty, poor OL penalty
Apply position weights to adjusted scores
Offensive and defensive depth ratings
Chemistry, defensive dominance, trenches battle
Final Score = Base Score × Depth Multipliers × (1 + Team Synergies)
Synergy Boost % = ((Final Score - Pure Base Score) / Pure Base Score) × 100
Multiple elite units + great depth
Total Impact: ~35-40% boost
Championship contender level
Great starters, no depth
Net Impact: Variable
High variance team - great when healthy