The Dickinson System was a mathematical point formula that awarded national championships in college football.
Devised by University of Illinois economics professor Frank G. Dickinson, the system ranked national teams from 1924 to 1940.
[2] The Dickinson System was the first to gain widespread national public and media acceptance as a "major selector" according to the NCAA[3] prior to the establishment of the Associated Press poll in 1936.
The original Dickinson System prize was the Rissman Trophy, named after Chicago clothing manufacturer Jack F.
[6] An explanation for the mathematical calculations was usually given as part of the story of the season ending rankings.