A team’s sportsbook odds are indirectly related to….its mascot.
Now before you laugh, you have to know that a good mascot fires up the crowd,
which fires up the team, and so on and so forth. It’s not essential, but it
doesn’t hurt, either. Here’s a look at the top five mascots in college sports
right, and you’ll find that they come in all shapes and sizes.
Stanford Tree
I dare you to look at the Stanford Tree and not laugh. But
watch out or he’ll turn on you, especially if you go to California. When the
Cardinal met their bitter rivals from Cal on the basketball court in 1995, the
Tree beat up Cal’s mascot, Oski. More recently, the Stanford Tree was found
guilty of public intoxication in February 2006, and the next month, the
replacement was kicked out of the NCAA Tournament. It may not boost their online betting
odds, but the Tree sure is entertaining.
Ramblin’ Wreck From
Georgia Tech
This is just cool because it’s a 1930 Ford Model A Sports
coupe that leads the Yellow Jackets out onto the field. Being “The Driver” of
the Ramblin’ Wreck is a massive honor that gets you noticed on the Georgia Tech
campus. The originals were owned by students, but the current vehicle was
donated in 1961 and is maintained by the Ramblin’ Wreck Club.
Bevo
This massive steer was first used by Texas in 1916, and he’s
the reason behind the Longhorns’ famous hand sign (index and pinky fingers up).
This year’s steer is Bevo the 14th, and although its intimidation
factor is through the roof, it’s rare that Bevo gets loose. He’s protected by
the Silver Spurs, who transport Bevo to every home game and most away games, as
well.
Uga
Another Georgia mascot makes the list, and Uga (University of GeorgiA) is an English
bulldog who is on his seventh incarnation since 1956. The latest version has
some work to do, as Uga VI was a major boost to Georgia’s sportsbook odds: the
Bulldogs were 87-27 during his life. We’re betting management at the university hopes that
Uga VII brings the same luck.
Chief Ascola
There aren’t many cooler sights in college football than
Chief Ascola’s entrance: on his horse Renegade, galloping towards midfield,
where he then throws a flaming spear. Many have problems with this, but the
women of the Seminole tribe of Florida make Chief Ascola’s authentic uniform
each year since 1977, when current coach Bobby Bowden heard of this idea. If
mascots were drafted, Chief Ascola would be one of the top NFL picks.