Have had this discussion in basketball, but the RPI itself is flawed.  
It looks like Michigan State has only played one team with a losing record, and they are 5-6.  We have, too, but Norfolk State is 3-8.  Also, because of weather and schedule, Michigan State has played 8 of 10 on the road, and the other 2 are neutral.  They haven't played a home game.  That will generate a better RPI.  Early RPI numbers will benefit teams who play tough schedules or the northern teams who win a bunch of road games.  Our RPI might have fallen a spot or two after having swept Norfolk State because it was at home against a 200+ RPI team.