College football is most popular in the South according to participation rates from high school associations, though blue states are seeing declines. While spending the most, Alabama was ranked 4th nationally suggesting money isn't everything for success as less spending schools like Mississippi State, Florida State, Oregon, TCU and Baylor ranked higher.

1. Where College Football is Most Popular
Source: NY Times

2. Blue States’ Participation Falling
Source: National Federation of State High School Associations

3. Money Isn’t Everything
AP Rank Team Spending (mm)
1 Mississippi St $15.3
2 Florida St $23.4
3 Oregon $21.0
4 Alabama $41.6
5 TCU $31.2
6 Baylor $20.3
Source: US Dept. of Education, 2012-13