Monday, November 20, 2006

BCS Rankings: Number of U.S. Towns Named After Planets

1. Venus (7) (AR, FL, KY, MO, NE, OR, PA)
2. Earth + Earth-name variations (7) (TX, WI, MN x2, MO, MD x2) ***
3. Neptune (6) (IA, OH, TN, WV, WI) **CA
4. (tie) Jupiter (3) (CA, FL, NC)
4. (tie) Mercury (3) (AL, NV, TX)
4. (tie) Pluto (3)* (MS, TX, WV)
4. (tie) Mars (3) (CA, PA, TX)
8. Saturn (2) (IN, TX)
9. Uranus (1) (Technically a topographic feature in ID)

*Due to recent non-planetlike activity, Pluto is ineligible for post-season play
**Update: I have added Neptune, CA, which A.M. noticed I was missing
***There is the argument (made eloquently by A.M. in the comments) that Earth's six Earth-name variations, such as "Black Earth," should count as a Division I-AA victories and that Neptune should claim the second spot based on SOS (Strength of Schedule).

Source: U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System

Commentary: Barry Sanders' planet needs at least one more U.S. town named after it to qualify for the Bowl Championship game.

6 comments:

K. Wilson said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
K. Wilson said...

The earth cities, especially something like Black Earth, would suggest being named not after the planet but the physical ground. Not to say this is incorrect, but to suggest that Neptune, on strength of schedule, could make up for the lack of wins.

AnswersInNature said...

There's a Venus, TX too.

Anonymous said...

What about Neptune, NJ

Unknown said...

Uranus, missouri! It's not a town it's a destination. Home of the Fudge packers union.

Unknown said...

Uranus, missouri! It's not a town it's a destination. Home of the Fudge packers union.