DALLAS (FWAA) — As part of its partnership to promote and raise awareness for the Outland Trophy and its candidates, graduate students from the College of Education Sport Management program at the University of Alabama have developed a rating system for linemen that makes its debut this season.

The Schneider Scale has been created to provide a relative ranking for line play. The ranking takes into account both individual and team statistics and results, and then ranks players while allowing for comparison on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Created independently by the class at the University of Alabama, it will be a season-long element by which linemen can be ranked and in turn considered for the Outland Trophy.

The Outland Trophy is presented to the nation’s top interior lineman on offense or defense by the Football Writers Association of America, and this season a Top 25 in the Schneider Scale will be released each Thursday. For more information on the Schneider Scale, please see the attached FAQ.

“The Schneider Scale was created by our student team using statistical analysis to create a unique ranking system for all of the prospects for the Outland Trophy on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball,” said Dr. John Vincent, Professor and Director of the College of Education Sport Management program. “It is certainly not perfect but will hopefully provide a foundation for an ongoing discussion of the best players in college football.”

“For the first time, we will have some statistical basis for judgment and review of linemen,” said FWAA Executive Director Steve Richardson. “While the Schneider Scale is but one element to help us review worthy candidates, it should be fascinating to see the weekly rankings and see how this type of analysis of line play evolves.”

Following is the Schneider Scale rankings after Week 1 (Weekend of Sept. 5) of the college football season:

SCHNEIDER SCALE FAQ

Why is it called the Schneider Scale?
The Schneider Scale is named for Henry Schneider, a graduate student responsible for statistical analysis on the Outland Trophy team. The scale was developed by all of the students on the University of Alabama Outland Trophy team with Schneider responsible for updating and compiling it on weekly basis throughout the season.

Why do we need such a ranking?
The assessment of line play is one of the more difficult elements to judge in the game of football. The Schneider Scale, through its formula, will attempt to give more perspective on the most effective linemen in the college game.

How are the players ranked?
Players are ranked based upon team and individual statistical categories in an effort to create an equitable comparison for the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

Why are offensive and defensive rankings combined?
Both offensive and defensive players are eligible to win the Outland Trophy. So, it makes sense to include players from both sides of the ball in one complete ranking.

How much influence does it have on Outland voting?
The Schneider Scale is designed to give media and fans a statistical basis for judgment of line play. Members of the FWAA who vote on the award will have access to the rankings as one element for their assessment of candidates.

Are all interior linemen eligible to be ranked?
Yes. Any player eligible for the Outland Trophy (all offensive linemen and interior defensive linemen [tackles and nose guards]) will be assessed in the weekly rankings.

Is strength of schedule/opponents factored in?
No. The scale has been created without the use of external factors like strength of schedule.

Are the rankings perfect?
Of course not. Just as with any rankings system, the scale will be assessed for improvements and to increase accuracy in the years to come.

For more information on the Schneider Scale, contact Ted Gangi, a representative of the Football Writers Association of America, at ted@collegepressbox.com.

2015 Schneider Scale rankings
• Through games of Sept. 7
• Through games of Sept. 12