College Football Fan Index presented by Goodyear is a cumulative data-based ranking of America’s most active and engaged fan bases, as determined by social media and online polling. Here are this week’s results.
The Fan Index Top 10
1. LSU (86,248 social mentions, 253 voting points) — By now, Leonard Fournette’s spectacular runs almost are starting to feel routine. Through four games, he’s amassed 864 yards rushing and is averaging 8.7 yards per carry. Here’s the 75-yard touchdown he ripped off against Eastern Michigan:
2. Ohio State (85,333 social mentions, 95 voting points) — The undefeated Buckeyes haven’t always looked sharp on offense this season, but they seem to understand that it’s too early to panic.
3. Alabama (77,196 social mentions, 79 voting points) — After his team crushed Georgia on Saturday, Nick Saban seemed rather, um, perturbed about the media’s treatment of the Crimson Tide.
4. Clemson (62,495 social mentions, 82 voting points) — “We’re gonna do the Whip and Nae Nae tonight I promise you that!” –Dabo Swinney after Clemson’s big win over Notre Dame.
5. Georgia (105,679 social mentions, 37 voting points) — Not a fun day for Uga and the rest of the Dawgs.
6. Florida (144,538 social mentions, 28 voting points) — This officer looked like he was having a great time on Saturday night:
7. Notre Dame (43,397 social mentions, 38 voting points) — When Navy and Notre Dame play this weekend, both teams will wear the same base layer under their uniforms. See here.
8. Michigan (36,874 social mentions, 60 voting points) — In a recent radio interview, Jim Harbaugh talked about the criteria he uses when deciding whether to give out helmet stickers. The decals are a tradition he brought back this season:
“There’s different criteria. There’s a team criteria for winning. Everybody gets one (if we win a non-conference game), win a Big Ten game, (and) everybody gets two. There’s team turnover margin and unit stickers for defense (and) offense. And there’s individual awards that can be won.”
9. Ole Miss (21,779 social mentions, 191 voting points) — Ole miss struggled mightily against Florida, but looks to get back on track this weekend against New Mexico State.
10. Nebraska (40,813 social mentions, 23 voting points) — Understandably, Cornhuskers fans didn’t take the loss to Illinois well at all.
Interesting takeaways: Bolstered by the nation’s interest in phenom Leonard Fournette, undefeated LSU took the top spot. … TCU is ranked No. 2 in both national polls, but only No. 50 in the Fan Index.
The Bonus 5
This is where we highlight a handful of notable teams from outside the top 10. Five fan bases and squads that made news this week:
12. Iowa (14,351 social mentions, 88 voting points) — You soon may start seeing Iowa players on Twitter. Read more here.
14. Oregon (36,472 social mentions, 12 voting points) — The helmets that will be worn with Oregon’s new uniforms are emblazoned with an image of Lewis and Clark:
16. Florida State (24,331 social mentions, 17 voting points) — The 60th edition of FSU-Miami is on tap. Kickoff is on Saturday at 8 p.m.
21. Wisconsin (8,280 social mentions, 1,115 voting points) — It was a big week for Wisconsin linebacker Joe Schobert.
27. Baylor (25,193 social mentions, 4 voting points) — The Bears have started the season on a torrid pace. Over four games, they’ve outscored their opponents 255-104.
Week 1 poll results: Best Tailgates
USA TODAY Sports
1. Wisconsin (41% of the fan vote) — Fall Saturdays in Madison are wild. Beer, brats, and the Badgers–they’re all beloved Wisconsin traditions.
Runners-up: — LSU (9%), Ole Miss (7%)
Interesting takeaways: Surprisingly, neither LSU nor Ole Miss prevailed. Penn State showed well, pulling in 4% of the vote.
Week 2 topic: Best Pros
Check in with Fan Index on Saturday to see the college programs that have produced the best NFL players and vote for your favorite school. Until then, support your school on social media, like a good fan should.
