Today, the NY Times released an interactive map where you can click on a county, or enter a zip code, and get a breakdown of the fan percentage in that specific area.
I don't have the slightest clue how they compiled this information (although I see some tweets that claim it is based on Facebook "Likes"), but it is fascinating to see the county by county breakdown of fandom across the country. There's no shortage of surprises as you scan the map.
At first glance, I came across a handful of counties that are absolutely obsessed with their in state team. Feel free to add any other surprising ones you come across in the comments:
- Lafayette County (WI) - 87.7% Wisconsin
- Holmes County (OH) - 82.3% Ohio State
- Centre County (PA - 86.4% Penn State
- Logan County (NE) - 83.6% Nebraska
- Pointe Coupee Parrish (LA) - 83.3% LSU
- Grant County (WV) - 83.1% West Virginia
Zach here, and I wanted to take a look at some battleground recruiting territory, where major schools fight not only for players, but for students and fans , in key markets around the country.
Here's what I found, let me know if you've got some other interesting data:
Dallas County
1. Texas, 31.1%
2. Oklahoma, 7.9%
3. Texas A&M, 6.8%
Harris County, Texas (Houston)
1. Texas, 28.5%
2. Texas A&M, 13.6%
3. Houston, 10.2%
Shelby County, Tenn. (Memphis)
1. Memphis, 41.4%
2. Tennessee, 11.2%
3. Alabama, 5.8%
Fulton County, Ga. (Atlanta)
1. Georgia, 28.4%
2. Auburn, 7.7%
3. Alabama, 6.9%
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Tampa)
1. Florida, 25%
2. Florida State, 19.5%
3. Miami, 6.4%
Mecklenburg County, N.C. (Charlotte)
1. South Carolina, 10.5%
2. Duke, 7.7%
3. Ohio State, 7.1%
Cook County, Ill. (Chicago)
1. Notre Dame, 9.6%
2. Illinois, 8.1%
3. Michigan, 7.7%
Jackson County, Mo. (Kansas City)
1. Missouri, 46.1%
2. Kansas, 11.8%
3. Oklahoma, 4.3%
and then you cross the street....
Wyandonette, Kan. (Kansas City)
1. Kansas, 42.4%
2. Missouri, 8.3%
3. Oklahoma, 5.6%
Maricopa County, Ariz. (Phoenix)
1. Arizona State, 41.7%
2. Arizona, 8.5%
3. Ohio State, 4.6%
Clark County, Nev. (Las Vegas)
1. Oregon, 7.2%
2. Ohio State, 7.0%
3. USC, 5.7%
Los Angeles County
1. USC, 30.9%
2. UCLA, 18%
3. Oregon, 6.2%
Denver County
1. Colorado, 13.3%
2. Nebraska, 5.6%
3. Texas, 5.3%
Any others you'd like to see?