BIG XII Top 3 Picks
Hi folks! WE ARE BACK and finishing up the top 3 mascots of the Power Four Conferences. Up next is the Big 12 schools. It’s the first blog of the year, but Al Stewart would say it’s the Year of the Cat. The Big 12 has several Big Cats. You’ve got the Cincinnati Bearcats, Kansas State Wildcats, Houston Cougars, Arizona Wildcats, and the BYU Cougars. Another trend when looking up these mascots were couples. You’ve got Wilber and Wilma of the Arizona Wildcats, Shasta and Sasha of the Houston Cougars, and Bruiser and Marigold of the Baylor Bears. All of these love birds really put on a show during the games. Another duo is Big Jay and Baby Jay of Kansas University, like a sibling relationship. Now, for as many Cats and Couples listed, only one made it into the top 3. Remember the 2 criteria of mascots are they have to be big and they have to be funny. There were some obvious winners when it came to looking at all the mascots, so let’s get into it!
Starting off strong at number three is….Big Jay of Kansas University. Now, I’ve mentioned he has a smaller double, but we need to get into the specifics. Now we’re not talking about Big Bird, but Big Jay is a big bird with a big yellow beak. He’s also got some big yellow sneakers. His big wingspan is impressive with his blue feathers. I mean Rock Chalk Jayhawk, am I right? Quick history lesson or AI search. Rock Chalk refers to the chalky limestone found on Mt. Oread where the KU campus is located. Now what’s funny about him? For me it’s all in the eyes. Tell me why when I do a Google Search of Big Jay, I’m looking at a big-eyed bird, that can’t believe the shocking call the referee just made. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Now, he’s also got a funny little double called Baby Jay. He’s more for the kiddos, but he’s got the same color scheme and costume going on, except the eyes. Not as funny, but he wears the number ½ which is hilarious.
Coming in at runner up is…Super Frog from TCU University. This horned frog really is super. I mean have you ever seen a chiseled frog. Yeah, me either…until I did some research. This frog has a huge head for starters and the muscled arms and legs only make it better. He’s also got oversized spikes on his wrists and knees. Not to mention the big eyes and toothless grin. I mean he could be the next star in the How to Train Your Dragon series. Now, I probably don’t need to explain the funny factor, but I will. Looking at past Super Frog’s….oh my goodness. Those are probably funnier than the current one. You bet I have pictures for reference. It took them a looong time to come up with the right costume, but I think they did it. To win funny points, if I just see the head of the mascot and I audibly laugh - automatic points. That’s how it went with Super Frog. Please enjoy the pictures of him through the years.
Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for. The winner of the Big 12 mascots is…Raider Red of Texas Tech University. Now, is he big? Just ask his hat, boots, belt, eyes, eyebrows, and yes mustache. He’s also got some big guns! Not muscles, actual pistols. (Ok, not actual pistols, fake plushie ones, but still!) He can outdraw any other mascot in the Big 12, I guarantee it. I think he could even give Elmer Fudd a run for his money. But is he funny? Do me a favor. Just look at one picture and you will not be disappointed. There is nothing funnier than a fat cloud plushie of Raider Red. I also discovered that Texas Tech has The Masked Rider as another mascot. Honestly, it looks a lot like Zorro, so I’m already a big fan. Overall, Texas Tech is 10 out of 10 on the mascot criteria. That’s all I got for football mascots for now. Maybe I can be convinced to rank professional mascots or other sports mascots someday? Stay tuned.
