This week, instead of posting a High 5, I thought I'd put some actual math behind a ranking.

So I took 12 of what I thought were the most important statistical categories and gave each team in the MIAA 1 point each for the ranking in that category through the first 6 weeks of the season. To round out my baker's dozen of statistical power rankings, I then subtracted each team's turnover margin from their total to give me my final tally (the goal being to have the FEWEST amount of points in the end).

The 12 categories I ranked were: Scoring offense; scoring defense; total offense; total defense; rushing offense, rushing defense; passing offense; passing defense; 3rd down conversion offense; 3rd down conversion defense;
penalties; and time of possession.

Admittedly, these power rankings do not take into account special teams and strength of schedule - both pretty important indicators of a team's overall power, but hey, the 13 categories I have included is a pretty good start.

After I put it all together, what does it all mean? Absolutely nothing, but it's kinda fun to see who landed where. And I figured since my High 5 doesn't mean a whole lot either, why not give the conference some sort of "overall" power ranking.

So without further ado, here's my very unofficial power rankings, with point totals in parenthesis:

1 Pittsburg State (29)
2. Northwest Missouri State (45)
3. Emporia State (53)
4. Missouri Western (56)
5. Washburn (71)
6. Lindenwood (83)
7. Missouri Southern (87)
8. Central Missouri (92)
9. Truman State (96)
10. Nebraska-Kearney (105)
11. Central Oklahoma (137)
12. Northeastern State (138)
13. Fort Hays (140)
14. Southwest Baptist (144)
15. Lincoln (147)

You didn't REALLY think I'd go a week without posting my High 5, did you. Here it is. My totally scientific ranking of the Top 5 teams in the MIAA, based solely on what we've seen thus far in 2012.

1. Pittsburg State (5-0, 5-0) - Still the whole package here. A quality win over Central Missouri and a running game, passing game and solid defense make this an easy call.
2. Northwest Missouri (5-1, 4-1) - From not even in the High 5 a few weeks ago to No. 2? Sure, there is no denying this is the hottest team in the conference right now. Trevor Adams returned like a lightning rod from his 2-week absence to spark an offense that has scored 136 points in just 2 weeks. Throw in a defense that's allowed only 13, and I'm okay with putting the Bearcats at No. 2 this week.
3. Missouri Western (6-0, 5-0) - I'll listen to your arguments over why they should be ahead of Northwest, but they had their shot against the same 2 opponents as the Bearcats the last two weeks, and let both stick around a little too long for my liking.
4. Emporia State (6-0, 6-0) - Looking at the scoreboard, the Southwest Baptist game might be a reason to doubt the Hornets, but quarterback Tyler Eckenrode sat out much of the first half with a groin injury, only to return to throw 299 yards after the intermission to lead Emporia to a comeback victory. The Lindenwood game this week will help shape how the second half of the season will go for ESU.
5. Central Missouri (4-2, 4-2) - Still sticking around. With their only losses coming to two of the top 3 teams in the country, I still like what the Mules have accomplished over Washburn and Lindenwood, who have yet to kock off an opponent worthy of a celebration.

What do you think?

How do you like my "Power Rankings?" Does my High 5 fit with how you'd rank the teams so far in the MIAA?

Let me know by posting a comment below, tweeting me @miAARONd2, sending me a messsage/friending me at www.facebook.com/apheintz or dropping me a note in my inbox at [email protected].