The Massey ratings are designed to measure past performance, not necessarily to predict future outcomes.

Massey's analysis is a valuable tool for leagues that need to fairly seed playoff brackets, or schedule games that will encourage competitive play and good sportsmanship.

Sports rating systems are generally used by gamblers to forecast results, but Massey is not affiliated with this industry.

He developed various rating models at that time, and presented his work in the form of an honors project.

While doing graduate work in mathematics at Virginia Tech, Massey was invited by Roy Kramer, then commissioner of the Southeastern Conference and president of the Bowl Championship Series, to submit his ratings for inclusion in the BCS ranking formula.

Massey resides in a high neighborhood of Jefferson City, TN with his wife, a native of Sibiu, Romania.