This win earned 4.03 ranking points because Rice defeated UAB by 7 points (24-17), which represents a solid but not dominant victory margin that translates to a moderate point value in the ranking system. The 4.03 points suggests this was considered a quality win against a reasonably competitive opponent, where the 7-point margin of victory was significant enough to earn above-average ranking points but not exceptional enough to reach the higher point tiers.