Boston Super Blog

In the latest results from the Discover Fan Loyalty Poll, the college football fans who were surveyed voted the Alabama Crimson Tide, Oregon Ducks, Ohio State Buckeyes and Florida State Seminoles as the top four teams in the country. That was even before FSU annihilated the Clemson Tigers, proving they deserve a lot more credit than I do, as I felt the Tigers were a legitimate national championship contender. I guess by Tigers, I should have said that I meant the ones from Missouri or Auburn! Either way, the fans from the Discover Fan Loyalty Poll were smart to have Alabama, Oregon, Ohio State and Florida State, as it now appears as if the most likely Heisman Trophy candidates may also now play for these schools.

• My views are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Discover Products Inc. and its affiliates

Going into the 2013 NCAA Football season, many expected Johnny Manziel from the Texas A&M Aggies to repeat as a back-to-back Heisman Trophy winner. Two losses later, and that appears unlikely. Also suffering a pair of losses is Aaron Murray from the Georgia Bulldogs, although some of that has to be blamed on the plethora of injures the ‘Dawgs have endured. Either way, both of these SEC quarterbacks are likely out of the running.

Also out after two tough losses this weekend are Tajh Boyd of the Clemson Tigers and Teddy Bridgewater of the Louisville Cardinals. But, while these signal callers may have all dropped out of the Heisman race, at least momentarily, a couple of others have taken the spotlight and may have become the two biggest front-runners.

Before we dive further into that discussion, check out some of the other most recent results from the Discover Fan Loyalty poll. We found out that 23 percent of women compared to 20 percent of men would brave the coldest of cold temperatures for tailgating festivities and never call them off, regardless of how cold it was before their favorite college football team’s home game. Overall, 44 percent of fans would decide to cancel their tailgate party if the mercury read anywhere below 32 degrees. How cold is too cold in your opinion?

Check out the infographic below for more results. Also discovered was the fact that conference with the toughest tailgaters is the PAC-12. Its fans show the ultimate warm-blooded loyalty to their favorite college football team, as 28 percent would never call off their tailgate party, even in sub-zero temperatures. Here is the complete list:

When it comes to party roles, grillmasters rule the roost, with 13 percent of college football fans claiming the title of “Cook” at their tailgate party. But they better bring extra food, since 10 percent of fans call themselves “Freeloaders” and let their friends do all the work. Which one are you? Also, fans who make over $200,000 per year are also those who “freeload” the most, at 22 percent. Another 10 percent of fans consider themselves the “Grateful Guest”, signifying they bring dish to pass.

As for the food fight, meats take the cake over sweets. Hot dogs and brats edged out hamburgers, 39 percent to 33 percent, as the one food every tailgate party should have, followed by chips and salty snacks at 14 percent. Fans care least for coleslaw and potato salad, at 4 percent, and cookies and other desserts, at 2 percent. That would be just fine with me, as I would always save room to load up on cookies and cakes at the end of the party!

As for the Heisman chase, the two favorites through Week 8 now include Marcus Mariota of the Oregon Ducks and Jameis Winston of the Florida State Seminoles. These two have come up big in each and every win for their respective teams, and have to be considered the two odds-on-favorites as of now.

Of course, anything can change on a weekly basis. Injuries, upsets and overall poor play can easily alter the Heisman race on a weekly basis. At this point, while Manziel and Murray and Boyd and Bridgewater are unlikely to win the Heisman Trophy, they cannot be eliminated entirely. Also in the mix to perhaps throw their names late into the hat are Jordan Lynch of the Northern Illinois Huskies, Derek Carr from the Fresno State Bulldogs and Bryce Petty of the Baylor Bears. All three are yet to lose in 2013.

And, although voters and fans never seem to give him enough credit, even though all he does is win big games, don’t count out A.J. McCarron of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Seriously. Not flashy by any means, all this kid does is win!

Who is on your Heisman Trophy list through the midway point of the college football season? This is a debate that will continue for at least another couple of months, meaning you must stay tuned to Boston Super Blog throughout the rest of the 2013 college football season with the most in-depth and entertaining coverage of the Discover Fan Loyalty Poll as well as everything else as it relates to the world of NCAA Football. Also, make sure to Like Discover on Facebook and follow them on Twitter!

The Discover Fan Loyalty Poll is conducted twice a month by Rasmussen Reports, a nationally recognized leader in polling, who gathers sentiment by phone from 1500 college football fans who follow games at least once per week on television, radio, in person or online.

The Poll leads up to the 2014 Discover Orange Bowl. Discover’s commitment to college football includes relationships with ESPN and Notre Dame Football on NBC. 

About Discover

Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover card, America’s cash rewards pioneer, and offers home loans, private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans, checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts through its direct banking business. It operates the Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation’s leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company.