Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The map below, courtesy of BetOnline.ag, is based on geotagged X data since last Friday (when the matchup was set) tracking tweets, fan hashtags, and direct keyword phrases about who fans were rooting for in the upcoming CFP National Championship.
For example, “I’m rooting for Indiana,” “I’m rooting for IU,” #GoIU, #HooHooHoosiers, etc. vs “I’m rooting for Miami,” “I’m rooting for the canes,” #GoCanes, #ItsAllAboutTheU, etc. Over 160,000 tweets were tracked.
As you can see from the map, rooting interest for Indiana is overwhelming. The turnaround story of Indiana, going from one of the worst college football programs in the nation, to competing for a national title in just two years has caught football fans’ attention.
Deciphering the reasons for the five states that are rooting for Miami… you have Oregon, who got demolished in the Peach Bowl, so that tracks. Kentucky with two solid reasons. UK is a fierce IU rival, and Louisville beat Miami during the season, so if Miami wins, they would likely get some consolation in the thought of “We beat the champs”.
As for the Carolinas, that could be some ACC loyalty coming through.
Overall, here’s the state breakdown:
Indiana – 45 states (All other states)
Miami – 5 states (Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina)
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