Nov. 29, 2006

McLEAN, Va. - Testudo and five other top vote-getters in this year's All-America Mascot of the Year contest have advanced to the playoffs. More than 6 million votes were cast to decide the final six, consisting of North Carolina State's Mr. Wuf, Maryland's Testudo, Auburn's Aubie, Western Kentucky's Big Red, Tennessee's Smokey, and Washington State's Butch T. Cougar. The playoffs take place over the next three weeks, with the winner being announced on January 1, 2007 during the Capital One Bowl.

"It's been an extremely tight claw-to-paw race so far," said Steve Schooff. "We're proud of all of our All-Americans, who campaigned and fought all the way up until the end."

Week One of the Playoffs (Nov. 27 - Dec. 4) pitts Auburn's Aubie (#3) against Washington State's Butch T. Cougar (#6), and Western Kentucky's Big Red (#4) against Tennessee's Smokey (#5). North Carolina State's Mr. Wuf and Maryland's Testudo each get a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Week 2 (Dec. 4 - Dec. 11) pitts Mr.Wuf against the Aubie/Butch T. Cougar winner, and Testudo against the Big Red/Smokey winner. The final round (Dec. 11 - 18) determines who gets the ultimate title.

"With the National Mascot of the Year title on the line, we're expecting the claws to come out and the battle to become fierce now that we're in the playoffs" added Schooff. "Once again the mascot fans have turned out in full force, and we've still got almost four weeks to go."

Last summer, 12 lovable characters were named to the Fifth Annual All-America Mascot Team, and have been embroiled in a fierce competition to be named Mascot of the Year. Since September 12th, fans have come out in force casting their vote for best beast at www.capitalonebowl.com.

The Final Regular Season Standings

(1) North Carolina State - Mr. Wuf
(2) University of Maryland - Testudo
(3) Auburn University - Aubie
(4) Western Kentucky University - Big Red
(5) University of Tennessee - Smokey
(6) Washington State - Butch T. Cougar
(7) University of Wisconsin - Bucky Badger
(8) University of Kentucky - Wildcat
(9) Air Force Academy - The Bird
(10) Syracuse University - Otto
(11) Georgia Tech - Buzz
(12) University of Oklahoma - Sooner

This year's fuzzy crew was chosen from Division IA and IAA athletic programs with college football teams. They made the squad after being ranked on mascot musts such as interaction with fans, originality and pedigree. The panel of judges included mascot guru and historian, Dr. Roy Yarbrough, and representatives from ESPN and Capital One.