Unlike some sports, in which competing against a physically stronger team can increase the likelihood of injuries, there are few reasons for a team not to want to develop the strongest schedule available.  Attendance, in general, is related to strength of schedule, and the national rankings are not based on won-loss records.  As noted in previous years, conference affiliation is highly influential in schedule strength.  Four of the seven teams in the Southeastern Conference are ranked among the top 10 in the coaches' poll.  Each team in the conference must play each other team twice.  These factors account for SEC teams being ranked 1, 2, 3, and 4 in schedule strength.  Three of the seven Pac-10 Conference teams are ranked in the top 10 in the coaches' poll and two also rank high in strength of schedule.  Among teams without a conference affiliation, only Utah is able to compete against 5 top-10 teams, because Utah is traditionally highly ranked and has excellent attendance.  Competing in front of large, vocal crowds helps prepare teams for the National Championship Meet.

The interrelationships of the factors in the chart make it challenging for teams to break into the top rankings, in team strength or in schedule strength.