We always get excited when professional sports franchises reach the playoffs with a minimal payroll, a true underdog story in the era of big-name free agents and hefty contracts.

The same can be said within college football since the playing field’s not level either based on annual spending according to a recent study from The Wall Street Journal.

Mississippi State, the nation’s top-ranked team, spends $5 million less on football each year at $15.3 million (58th nationally) than its next closest competitor in the current AP Top 10 based on Department of Education figures. Magnolia State rival Ole Miss, by comparison, unloads $25.2 million annually on the school’s most popular sport.

Alabama spends more than any football program in the country at $41.6 million annually.

moneyisnteverything