College football is gearing back up, and once again fans remember why the traditions, fan bases, and mascots make college football unique among the sports world. No other sport comes with the standing traditions like dotting the "I" at Ohio State or the Texas long horns Hook 'em Horns which creates a excited fan base of both locals, alumni and students. However the mascots, or specifically the the real life animal mascots some schools have might just be the best tradition in college sports. However, keeping these live mascots might be more than you think.
UGA might be the most infamous mascot in college football. The little bulldog has been a tradition at Georgia for for over 56 years now, but there is actually no current UGA at Georgia and has not been for awhile. In 2009 UGA VIII was no longer able to serve as the mascot being diagnosed lymphoma. In the meantime, Russ has been carrying on the Uga tradition while a new UGA is being selected. It may see ridiculous that Georgia has taken so long to chose a new UGA but then again finding a youthful English Bulldog that completely white and worthy of the Air conditioned living arrangement at Sanford Stadium and the approval of thousands of Georgia fans is tough. The previous eight bulldogs have elaborate marble graves outside of the stadium.
Making sure there is mascot at the game might be the hardest part. UGA the ninth is on the way, but Mississippi State's Bully has been around for 20 generations. Bevo, has been around for 14 generations, and Yale has had 17 Handsome Dans. Replacing the mascots is a long and important process that is at risk of jinxing football seasons for years to come if done wrong.
Personally my favorite mascot in college football is Mike the Tiger. In his 6th generation at LSU the tiger has been intimidating opposing teams at the real Death Valley in his 13,000 square foot home roaring right outside the away locker room. And no matter what you can't help but be at least a little intimidated by the 500 plus pound predator.
Although if were talking about intimidating mascots you have to mention Bevo. Bevo has charged a SMU cheerleader, scattered a Baylor band, and stampeded a car in a parking lot after breaking out of his encampment. Fortunately, Bevo has not done much recently just like Longhorn football team.
The most Unique live mascot out there has to go to Sir Big Sir at South Carolina. The gamecock is unlike any other mascot in college sports and is another reason why college sports is unique and fun for everyone to watch and cheer for. (Espn.com)
So let the War Eagle fly and another season of college football start.
