Marquee Mascot Matchup - October 4, 2003

MARQUEE MASCOT MATCHUP - OCTOBER 4, 2003

Oregon State Beavers
(4-1) AT California Golden Bears
(3-3)

Tale of the Tape:

Beaver		Golden Bear
Castor Canadensis	*Scientific Name*	Ursus Arctos Horribilis
24-66 lb	*Weight*	300-1200 lb
18 in (estimated)	*Reach*	10 ft (estimated)
Round, roly poly	*Body Type*	Round, roly poly
Fresh aspen tree trunk w/ bark	*Favorite Meal*	Fresh salmon & wildberries
Dam	*Sleeps In...*	Den
10 total, all front	*Claws?*	20 total, front & rear
Large, distinctive, good for slapping	*Tail?*	None
Frank Lloyd Wright, Architect	*Human Hero*	Mr. T, A-Team Strongman
Chainsaw	*Analogous Power Tool*	Bulldozer

Preview:

This classic quarrel dates back centuries. Long before the battle was played out in countless Pac-10 scuffles, the industrious beaver and mighty brown bear clashed in streams and forests across the great pacific northwest. So widespread in fact was their rivalry that it was even recorded in Native American myth.

This matchup comes down to brains versus brawn. Beavers live in close-knit colonies, working together to construct elaborate dam structures. Their technical know-how and excellent teamwork present a formidable challenge to the Bears' brute-force strength. Known to construct dams hundreds of times their own size, the Beavers' success will hinge upon their ability to block. They'll look to wear down the Bears, and then take advantage of opportunities to sink their teeth in and gnaw off some legs. Fresh off victories over broncos and sun devils, don't expect the Beavers to be easily daunted.

The keys for the Bears are simple - intimidate, overpower, and ultimately beat the buckteeth out of the much smaller Beavers. They'll look to utilize their large front paws with accompanying claws, which with one good swipe will send the Beavers flying end-over-end to rodent heaven. These young, inexperienced Bears must be quick, however, to avoid Beaver counterattacks, exemplified by embarrassing pimp-slaps to the face from the large, flat tail. The Bears have struggled this season against fellow furry mammals, posting losses to wildcats and rams. To win this one, they'll need to put some serious muscle behind their intimidating reputation.

Outlook:

After last week's big win over the Trojans, look for the Bears to come out especially fired up - posturing, growling, and going for the throat. The Beavers will studiously and persistently execute their game plan, while gnawing away at the Bears' resolve (and legs). If they can withstand the initial onslaught, at the end of the day the Beavers will emerge victorious. In a gutsy 4th quarter rally...

Beavers, 21-17

Post-Game Recap now available.