http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/95202/fsu-leads-preseason-fpi According to this, they use stats and information from several previous years, with the most recent year being more heavily weighted. Looking back farther than last season would hurt the Zips tremendously in these rankings compared to most teams. They also factor in recruiting rankings, which hurts the Zips because Bowden signs more late recruits than most and they don't get counted in the rankings which are finalized on signing day.