Mascot Matchup Recap - September 27, 2003

MARQUEE MASCOT MATCHUP - SEPTEMBER 27, 2003

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

Recap:

Golden Gophers 20 - Nittany Lions 14

In a shocking development, Penn State University revealed Saturday that their mascot is not in fact the Nittany Lion, but rather the Nittany Housecat.
To give due credit, the Gophers executed a nearly flawless first half game plan. Digging and exploiting holes to exquisite perfection, they jumped to an early 14-0 lead, as the Lions struggled to get a read on their prey. True to form, the Lions roared back, beating the Gophers to within several yards of their life as the first half closed. Just as certain death appeared imminent, a zebra intervened to save the Gophers from a mighty swooping paw. This unprecedented gopher/zebra cooperation was both intriguing and curious, but in the end did not decide the match. Rather, the hapless inability of the predatory Lions to come out and finish the kill in the second half left naturalists and fans everywhere scratching their heads. Unable to capture and devour a bushy-tailed Gopher (despite a golden opportunity in the closing minutes), the predatory prowess of these Lions must be called into serious question. The astute fan is left to conclude that this year's Nittany Lions are in fact more like the common pussycat, Felis Vaginosis, than the consummate carnivore of years past.


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