Check out this very interesting polling of Big Ten fans, conducted by SI.com.
Some highlights:
-98.2 % of Buckeye fans consider Michigan to be their biggest rival. But only 96.0% of Michigan fans consider OSU to be their biggest rival. This conclusively proves that Buckeyes are smarter than Wolverines. But really, how this isn't a clean 100% on both sides is beyond me.
-9.3% of Badger fans consider Michigan to be their biggest rival. But 0.0% of Michigan fans consider Wisconsin to be their biggest rival. This disconnect is amusing to me. In fact 0.2 % of Michigan fans thought Northwestern was a bigger rival than Wisconsin. In the same vein, 1.3% of Minnesota fans think OSU is their biggest rival. We've had historically less success against the Buckeyes than any other Big Ten team. Who are these idiots?
-Northwestern is widely considered to have the most polite fans overall. That's easy though, when nobody shows up for the games. No one there = no one to heckle you.
-Ohio State and Wisconsin consistently shows up in every other teams top 4 for the rudest fans for visitors. Ohio State looks to have Wisconsin beat by a significant margin though...
-Only 2.9% consider Minnesota to have the favorite stadium to visit in the conference. Those are Metro-dump #s. Look for that to climb substantially in the coming years. 'The Bank' is phenomenal.
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4 comments:
Nice, find Torto! Here are some thoughts/comments/shots/whine.
Some highlights:
-98.2 % of Buckeye fans consider Michigan to be their biggest rival. But only 96.0% of Michigan fans consider OSU to be their biggest rival.. .
I actually can see that. A lot of folks in Michigan prefer the yearly MSU/Mich tilt. Similar to what I've heard about Duke/UNC hoops. . .that UNC/NC St is as big or bigger.
-9.3% of Badger fans consider Michigan to be their biggest rival. But 0.0% of Michigan fans consider Wisconsin to be their biggest rival. This disconnect is amusing to me. In fact 0.2 % of Michigan fans thought Northwestern was a bigger rival than Wisconsin. . .
Yes, puzzling all around. I know as an NU fan I hate Mich a lot! Mich is hated by all so there's a lot of hurt feelings they need to spread around.
-Northwestern is widely considered to have the most polite fans overall. That's easy though, when nobody shows up for the games. No one there = no one to heckle you.
Prob about right because no one there really cares about sports. It's pretty fun thing to toss around when you beat the schools that really do though! (Ahem, Iowa.)
-Ohio State and Wisconsin consistently shows up in every other teams top 4 for the rudest fans for visitors. Ohio State looks to have Wisconsin beat by a significant margin though...
Sounds about right. Although I heard from a buddy that OSU fans were grumbling that UW fans were the biggest jerks. We shall see this weekend. . .Nick/Keith will you be on your best or worst behavior?
-Only 2.9% consider Minnesota to have the favorite stadium to visit in the conference. Those are Metro-dump #s. Look for that to climb substantially in the coming years. 'The Bank' is phenomenal.
That place is cool, but small and lacks the tradition. There are just too many here to really climb the charts fast. . .
Thanks again for finding and great blog!
Point well taken on Michigan vs. MSU, Mr. Laurent.
The more I think about it though, I'm not sure I can accept your premise. Since OSU vs. Michigan is supposedly the top sports rivalry in the country, I still think this game should be the #1 rivalry for both schools, hands down.
I need some Wolverines and Spartans to weigh in and help me figure this one out. Just Jake - get your Maize and Blue spouse on here to help us...
hi torto, jake sent me your blog. i think the site looks great! i am impressed.
as a michigan alum, i have to say that i was surprised that the percentage of michigan fans who rank OSU as their #1 rivalry in the conference was as high as 96-percent. a TON of michigan natives view the Mich / MSU game as the biggest event of the year. it's a huge rivalry. clearly, i am not one of these people (being from chicago and all, i don't "get" the in-state thing), but it's a big, big game.
in my mind, michigan only has two "true" in-conference rivals, and those are OSU and MSU. the other teams -- despite the fact that they have all beaten up on the wolverines this year -- don't really register in terms of being a "true rival". some may argue that penn state is a big rival, but i don't think there is a strong enough history... maybe someday.
michigan's biggest non-conference rival is, of course, notre dame. the fact that michigan actually beat notre dame this year makes this season not a total embarrassment.
hello to jessie and the boys!
Okay, I am now convinced. MSU is an acceptable #1 rival for at least some Michigan fans. So really it is the Buckeye fans who may have some explaining to do, since 0.9% think that PSU is their top rival. That is actually more head scratching, since Penn State only joined the conference a little over a decade ago.
In talking with site contributor Sparty Tom today, he mentioned what a slap in the face he felt it was that only 2.1% of Michigan fans felt MSU was their top rival. I guess its all based on what side of the fence you stand on...
Thanks for jumping in on the conversation Julie D, and verifying TL's points. Hope Big Blue takes down the Stink-eyes tomorrow!
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