I am just an Oregon State University (OSU) Beaver living in a state where most of the population roots for the opposing team, the University of Oregon (UO) Ducks.
This is a map of the United States showing which college teams are favored in each state, represented by the team's colors. The data was collected with a poll calculating both "likes" and demographic via the social network Facebook. This is what it feels like to be a Beaver in a state of mostly Ducks.
Here, let me zoom that in for you.
That little red square are those of us who root for OSU. That little orange bottom right-hand corner isn't even OSU fans, those are Boise State fans.
Even without the Facebook poll, there are constant reminders that OSU is the underdog of the state. For example, there are always more options and sizes of UO clothes at every store.
"This whole display for that other school? And the OSU stuff was just on a rack? So I fixed that for them #yourarewelcome #gobeavs." Katie Hughes
People we meet when we are out of state will say something like, "Oh, you go to college in Oregon? Go Ducks!"
Corvallis doesn't have a news station, so we are constantly hearing about the Ducks.
Even with the regular reminders, we still know we are the best! We stick together, wear our orange and black, and no matter what the score is at the end of a game, we root for our Beavers. Since we are so supportive and die hard fans.
We take it personally when our families root for the Ducks.
We are really stubborn and try to wear as little green as possible.
"I still won't wear green. #gobeavs."
Benny the Beaver
We hate seeing the giant "O" on the back of the cars, especially in our town.
The "Win The Day" shirts are even more annoying.
We hate when UO "fans" try to explain why they are the best team.
But the best of all things is that we become best friends with fellow Beavers where ever we may be.
No matter how many time we lose, there will be a time when Oregon State comes out on top. It may not be this year or the next, but the time is coming and we, the fans of Beaver Nation, cannot wait to celebrate with our team!
