Marquee Mascot Matchup - September 27, 2003

MARQUEE MASCOT MATCHUP - SEPTEMBER 27, 2003

Minnesota Golden Gophers
(4-0) AT Penn State Nittany Lions
(2-2)

Tale of the Tape:

Golden Gopher		Nittany Lion
Marmota Monax	*Scientific Name*	Felis (Puma) Concolor
Woodchuck, Groundhog, Marmot	*a.k.a.*	Puma, Cougar, Panther, Catamount
10 in, on tiptoes	*Average Height*	24 in, at shoulder
10 lb	*Average Weight*	175 lb
Leaves, flowers, caesar salad	*Eats...*	Deer, rodents, birds, alligators
Foxes, hawks, hillbillies	*Eaten By...*	Vultures, post mortem
Whistle, squeak	*Vocalization*	Meow, purr, growl
Check your backyard	*Conservation Status*	Endangered
Burrowing	*Signature Athletic Move*	Pouncing
Alvin the chipmunk	*Nearest Cartoon Relative*	Simba the lion

Preview:

First question, "what the hell is a Nittany Lion?" Quite simply, a Nittany Lion is a mountain lion, hailing from the valley or mountain of Nittany, nearby Penn State University. Perhaps more puzzling is the question, "what the hell is a Golden Gopher?" The answer, it turns out, is not so simple. Gophers are small rodents with narrow, relatively hairless tails. The Minnesota Golden Gopher, Goldy, however has a large, bushy tail, rather more like a squirrel. Failing a response from Minnesota Sports Information, we are left to presume that "Gopher" is a colloquial reference to another rodent - most likely the common Woodchuck, Marmota Monax.
The Nittany Lions couldn't care less what kind of rodent they're dealing with. This is prime time prey. They will attack from both sides of the ball. The goal is to swat the Gophers upside the head with one of the large front paws, thereby rendering the opposition unconscious. Once that's done, it's simply a matter of biting the Gophers by the neck and chowing down. However, they must hit the Gophers early, often, and hard, before they can establish a tunneling network. The Gophers' strategy is simple - dig and exploit holes. What they lack in size they must make up for with ingenuity and creativity. Look for the blitz on defense, with Gophers passing between the Lions' legs, and attacking the QB's family jewels. The Gophers have found success this season against a variety of opponents, including Bobcats. This is the first small mammal matchup for the Nittany Lions, who have played a bird-heavy early season schedule. They are 1-1 versus "Golden" opponents. To move to 2-1, they'll have to get to the Gophers before they start digging.

Outlook:

Look for the Gophers to dig in early and cause confusion for the Lions, who in their haste to kill are likely to pick up some penalties. Sadly for Gopher fans, digging holes and kicking dirt in your opponents' face can only take you so far. At the end of the day, this is classic predator/prey folks...on Nittany Lion turf. It's only a matter of time before the paws catch up, and the Nittany Lions pounce on this Golden opportunity.
Nittany Lions, 42-34

Post-Game Recap now available.


Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-0)	AT	Penn State Nittany Lions (2-2)