Marquee Mascot Matchup - September 11, 2004

MARQUEE MASCOT MATCHUP - SEPTEMBER 11, 2004

Florida A&M Rattlers
(0-1) AT Tulane Green Wave
(0-1)

Tale of the Tape:

Rattler		Green Wave
Crotalus adamanteus	*Scientific Name*	Fluctus thalassinus
3-7 ft, up to 10 lbs	*Size (Height/Length, Weight)*	1-100 ft, up to millions of tons
29.2s (est.)	*40 yd Dash*	3.4s (est.)
Woods, fields, sheds, campsites	*Native Habitat*	Oceans, lakes, ponds, puddles
Rodents, rabbits, frogs, cute little bluebirds	*Eats...*	Rocks, shells, surfers, watersports equipment
...hawks, eagles, redneck NASCAR fans	*Eaten by...*	...unfavorable winds
Rattle	*Vocalization*	Crash
Diamond pattern	*Distinctive Markings*	Dude, bro, the curl
Dirt, pebbles, selected insects	*Ridden by:*	Marine mammals, surfers, inflatable alligators
...back away SLOWLY	*If confronted...*	...dive down QUICKLY

Preview:

The problem with weather related mascots is that they're so damn unpredictable. On one hand, a Green Wave could be a monstrous tsunami of death and destruction that crushes everything in its path. On the other hand, it could be a mere ripple in your neighborhood duck pond (quack quack). To get to the bottom of this, we need to examine location and size, in order to predict the power of the wave.

When's the last time you saw a big wave in New Orleans? Let's face it, without the help of a hurricane in the gulf, the Tulane Green Wave just isn't that intimidating. The local beach & boat report calls for no swells and "light chop". This doesn't bode well for Tulane. Unlike such schools as Pepperdine (the Waves), Tulane has only a single wave to work with. This lack of stamina was evident last week in an embarassing 28-7 second half trouncing at the hands of the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Green Wave must make the first strike count, hitting the Rattlers early and hard, keeping them submerged until they drown. Stifling defense, particularly in the form of large dogpiles, will be crucial. They must hold FAMU on the ground, restricting any air game that allows the Rattlers to breathe.

Rattlesnakes are reasonably competant swimmers. They prefer dry land, but in a pinch can deal with the water, making swampy Florida their home. However, even small slow moving waves are fast compared to a Rattler. The Rattlers' advantage lies in quickness and agility. Once a wave has committed, it has a very difficult time changing direction. The ability to rapidly change course and use misdirection is vital for Florida A&M. The Rattlers can use this flexibility either to try to avoid the wave, or to try to ride it. After being thrashed 52-13 last week by the Illini, expect the Rattlers to be more aggressive and look to ride.

Outlook:

Though no recorded record of surfing rattlesnakes could be found, there's a first for everything. Rattlers paddle in and ride the Wave all the way to victory. Dude, stoke.

Rattlers, 17-10.