According to an extremely scientific poll issued by Sports Illustrated for Kids, The Nittany Lion ranks 8th among the toughest College Mascots. Michigan was first with 18% of the vote. Notre Dame was second (15%), followed by Ohio State (14%), Texas (13%), UCLA (12%), Florida State and USC (10% each), Penn State (4%), MSU (3%) and Alabama (2%).

Now, it seems to me that this like many polls was simply a popularity contest. There is so much wrong with this I don't know where to begin. Does anyone seriously think a drunken Irishmen could take on a mountain lion? And Ohio State's mascot is a buckeye, which for all of you horticulturally challenged people out there, is a ****ing nut. A nut is tougher than a Bear, an Indian, a condom and a guy with a sword.

I also don't understand what Alabama is doing on this list, because they are the crimson tide. I know they put elephants on their hats, but come on...a color no matter how fierce cannot be tough.