Battle of the Idiotic Mascots?
10 comments so far
October 31, 2008 by
As if the similarities and rivalry between Nebraska and Oklahoma was not extensive enough. There is still another compelling story line to Saturday's game. It features two programs that have chosen to subvert their authentic but obscure mascots with idiotic corporate-driven, child friendly creatures.
At Nebraska we all know NU's mascot is the Cornhusker. We were raised on images of Herbie Husker and before that Harry the Husker. Herbie has gone through a few iterations - but was generally going pretty strong. For some reason, the athletic department decided to unveil 'Lil Red in the 1990s. This large, inflatable child supposedly appeals to a different demographic. But other than the ability to bounce on his head and seriously creep people out, I don't see much use to him. Every time I see 'Lil Red in place of Herbie Husker in pictures or video depicting NU's mascot, a little bit of me dies inside.
Believe it or not, they have similar problems at OU. You know they are called the Sooners, right? And the image that should come to mind is that darn prairie schooner - the Sooner Schooner - rolling out on to the field. Sure, it's an obscure reference to claim jumping. But, it is a great image in college football. Well, that wasn't good enough. They had their own mascot makeover, and unveiled "Boomer" and "Sooner" in 2004. These weird, plush, pigish-looking figures supposedly represent the horses that pull the Sooner Schooner. Because that makes total sense.
Of course, like 'Lil Red, a certain percentage of Sooner fans would rather Boomer and Sooner go away. I can't say I blame them. Sure nicknames like Cornhuskers and Sooners hardly inspire awe or generate fear among opponents. Most folks don't even know what they are. I'll still take Herbie versus the Schooner any day, thanks.
If 'Lil Red makes the trip to Norman, maybe he and horse pigs could fight it out. That might increase my respect for this new breed of mascots a little bit.
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Jake Oct 31 08
This is an "idiotic" article.
Jason Oct 31 08
Sorry it's not to your taste Jake. Perhaps you'll find something you enjoy better somewhere in the 64 other articles we've posted this month.
jon johnston Oct 31 08
Hmmmm...... I've always like Lil' Red, I don't get the hatred. At least he's somewhat unique in college football.
Hell, I didn't even know about "Boomer" and "Sooner". Look, they're big fuzzy creatures like everyone else's mascots.
Gag. Hope Lil' Red kicks their ass.
HuskerFan4Life Oct 31 08
Didn't Lil Red win the mascot of the year a few years ago?? On another note, I remember back in the 90's when OU was having their problems with winning and the Boomer Schooner was parading across the field following a Sooner scoring drive and tipping over. I just about soiled myself from laughing so hard.
Brandon Oct 31 08
A quick historical list of the worst things to happen to the state of Nebraska:
1) Locusts
2) Lil' Red
3) Barry Switzer
The first and third items on that list you can't do much about but the second item? We chose that. There were meetings and rough sketches and pitches and, ultimately, an approval of a final design that has a kid in red overalls with his hat on sideways.
Is there a way, through the Freedom of Info. Act, to get the names of everyone who was on the Lil' Red committee? The public deserves to know who foisted this horror upon the unsuspecting public.
Ok, maybe the kids do like it (I'm suspicious), but you know what else kids like? The Jonas Brothers, the voice of Dora the Explorer, the Wiggles and Elmo. They're hardly the arbiters of taste.
I'm the arbiter of taste and here's what I want to see: a midfield ceremony at the CU game where Lil' Red is filled with 1000 doves dyed red. Ndamukong Suh walks out with a giant pair of ribbon-cutting scissor and--well, no need to get into the gory details--the doves are "released" and Nebraska wins its 6th straight game, sewing up the Big 12 North title and all is right with the world, just in time for the Holidays.
darren Oct 31 08
Brandon, how do you feel really? Don't hold back. Heh.
Seriously, both 'Lil Red and the Boomer and Sooner mascots are the very definition of money grabs. Athletic directors knew they had *very* good products on the field (NU mid 1990s, OU turn of the century) and wanted to put a commercial product out there that could appeal to young people. Put your kid in a 'Lil Red outfit or "onesy". Buy Boomer and Sooner stuffed animals to put under the tree, etc.
It's just a reflection of the marketing-driven age we live in. Sigh.
Sorry you didn't like the post, Jake. Check out the rest of the site. You might like something else here. Or not. Either way, it's just an opinion.
Kay Oct 31 08
Thanks for the post guys. I needed a good laugh this morning. :)
Go Big Red!!
Craig Oct 31 08
KU should hire the Baby Mangino. Now that is funny!
Jeff Johnson Nov 03 08
During the Oklahoma - Nebraska game Boomer, Sooner and Lil' Red did indeed fight it out. Unfortunately for Lil' Red, the fights went about the same as the game did.
You are correct about one thing though -- Lil' Red is a bit creepy.
tom Nov 04 08
One of my gems at my old site before I started blogging here:
http://doombob.com/index.php/huskers/lil-red-freaks-me-out