Millsaps' shaky schedule numbers complicate its power edge over Hendrix

Strength of schedule is where these two rankings pull apart. Hendrix sits 103rd in Division III for schedule strength, while Millsaps ranks just 168th, even though Millsaps holds the far better overall position at No. 77 compared to Hendrix's No. 167. That gap suggests Millsaps' 2-0 start has come against lighter competition than the numbers on the surface imply.

Millsaps still grades out well across the board, a B overall with B+ marks in both offense and defense, and enters as the No. 3-ranked team in the Southern Athletic Association after a 57-0 win over Centenary LA, its most lopsided victory since November 2007. Hendrix, at 0-1, is graded lower overall at C- but carries a stronger B- offensive grade and sits as the No. 2-ranked team in the SCAC despite the rough start.

This is a non-conference matchup between programs from different leagues, so nothing in either standings race is at stake. Hendrix has actually won the all-time series 8-5 and took last September's meeting 41-19, but Versus projects a reversal here, with Millsaps favored 36-20 and given an 82 percent chance to win at home.