No. 13 Albany Great Danes vs. No. 4 Virgina Cavaliers

SAN ANTONIO REGION

12:15 PM ET  No. 13 Albany Great Danes at No. 4 Virginia Cavaliers

The University at Albany has a bit of interesting history that tells the story of the mascot.  It appears as though UA was formerly a part of the New York State College for Teachers.  NYSCfT mascot name was, you guessed it, the Penguins!  In 1965, in order to reclaim their own identity, the school replaced “Pedwin” the Penguin with a Great Dane named Damien.  The dog was chosen because of its strength, courage, stamina and speed.  Unfortunately, Scooby Do came along four years later and tarnished this image.  In 2003, the generation who grew up with Scrappy Do voted in Lil’ D in a classic Ron Borges, I’m-stealing-your-idea, move.

As for Virginia, I guess I had the wrong impression of what a Cavalier is.  I thought perhaps it was a swashbuckling warrior in the Count of Monte Cristo vein.  But the recurring definition that keeps popping up is that a Cavalier was the name used by Parliamentarians for a Royalist supporter of King Charles I. Apparently, they were fond of “extravagant” clothing and had long curly hair. Much like our friend The Masked Rider, the Cavs sound like nothing more than men in tights.

I’m really torn with this pick.  The research leads me to believe that the Cavs would resemble Shaggy to the Albany Scoobies rather than an enemy.  And if you’ve never seen a Great Dane up close, they could seriously put your whole head  in their mouths without even bending down.  I’m convinced.  Edge: Albany Great Danes