| Season: | 1931 |
The 1931 college football season rankings were an attempt to rank the best teams participating in the 1931 college football season. They included a mathematical system operated by Frank G. Dickinson.
The Dickinson System was a mathematical rating system devised by University of Illinois economics professor Frank G. Dickinson.
Although 11–0 Tulane was unbeaten and untied they were second to 9–1 USC in the final Dickinson System mathematical ratings.
The teams were set to face off in the 1932 Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. The Trojans requested that presentation of the Knute Rockne Memorial Trophy be delayed until after the game.[1] During the delay, it was decided that the Dickinson System trophy would go to the winner of the Rose Bowl game.[2] Professor Dickinson's system was vindicated when the Trojans came up with the win.
| Rank | Team[3] | Record | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USC | 9–1 | 26.25 | |
| 2 | Tulane | 11–0 | 24.85 | |
| 3 | Tennessee | 8–0–1 | 23.10 | |
| 4 | Northwestern | 7–1–1 | 22.45 | |
| 5 | Saint Mary's | 7–1 | 22.23 | |
| 6 | Georgia | 8–2 | 21.25 | |
| 7 | Harvard | 7–1 | 19.50 | |
| 8 | Yale | 5–1–2 | 18.79 | |
| 9 | Pittsburgh | 8–1 | 17.50 | |
| 10 | Purdue | 7–1 | 16.58 | |
| 11 | Notre Dame | 8–2–1 | 16.17 |