Today is the day to pretend to be poor.

NCAA Mascot Match-Off*

*I am aware that this is not a real term but it sounded semi-catchy.

I missed the deadline for my NCAA pool, so all I have to go on now is just actual interest. Fortunately, I still have two things going for me: my alma mater made it to the Sweet Sixteen, as did Duke, who I enjoy hating.

Anyway, last year I matched up teams based on how cute their uniforms are. This year I'll go based on how cool/threatening their mascots are.

LSU Tigers vs. Duke Blue Demons

vs

As much as I was looking forward to picking apart the demon that happens to be blue, I think the tiger is one of the lamest mascots in sports. So, Duke over LSU.

Bradley Braves vs. Memphis Tigers

vs

I may be wrong but I believe that Bradley is mascot-less, probably because there is no nice way to illustrate a 'brave.' And I believe that I have made my point on tigers clear. So I'm going to have to use a tie-breaker and say Bradley, because they are from Illinois.

West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Texas Longhorns

Last year my boyfriend and I were driving home from Washington DC and took an odd little detour through West Virginia. We spent the night in Charleston and asked the concierge at our Radisson if there was anything to see. He said 'no.' Apparently this is a statewide attitude as West Virginia also does not have a mascot. Texas wins.

Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. UCLA Bruins

vs

An example of two perfectly fine mascots getting bad treatment in design. The bulldog is too cartooney, the bear too kindly. I'll go with the Bruins though just because there is another bulldog team in the running.

Speaking of which I will continue the Saturday matchups later this week. I am late to work. Good day.