NCAA Bracket 2012: Power Ranking Every Tournament Team's Mascot

Mascots are a thing of beauty when it comes to college sports.

Some represent a fierce animal or person, while another makes you laugh at what certain teams call themselves.

The following slides count down the best mascots of the 2012 NCAA Tournament.

Keep in mind that some teams have the same mascots, so they will be tied with other teams with the same mascot. Other teams are also tied, because while their mascot name may be a little different, it's still the same general idea.

Is your team ranked lower than you think it should be? Is some team ranked too high in your opinion? Let me know in the comments below.

Also, I'm going to make fun of some mascots. Nothing personal.

So, without further ado, here the mascots power ranked.

For your printable bracket for the 2012 NCAA tournament, click here.

T67: Iona Gaels and St. Mary's Gaels

Someone who speaks Gaelic.

Hmmm...did I miss something?

Is that really a mascot?

At least St. Mary's has a winnable game to start its tournament, while Iona has to play BYU just for the right to play in the Round of 64.

So, I guess you could say St. Mary's is No. 67, while Iona really has nothing.

66. St. Bonaventure Bonnies

I'll admit, it's a great play off your school name, but come on.

There is no creativity whatsoever with this nickname.

It's like Georgia Tech calling themselves the Techies or the Army West Pointers. It just doesn't sound right.

You'd figure with more than 150 years as a university, they could've gotten this fixed by now.

Oh well, enjoy Florida State in the first round.

T64: Alabama Crimson Tide and Harvard Crimson

Okay, here's another tie.

Sorry, Alabama fans, I don't know what you're trying to go with.

You're remarking about your color and then talking about a tide. It's your own little War Eagle thing you got going over there.

What is it with people in Alabama? Can't you guys make up your minds on what you are?

For Harvard, I can understand tradition in that you guys have been called the Crimson for longer than this country has been this country, but that still doesn't earn you points here.

Still, my hats off to Tommy Amaker and the Crimson for getting a No. 12 seed. Could this be the 5-12 upset that tends to happen every year?

63. Syracuse Orangemen

I have to hold myself from laughing on this one.

Your mascot is an orange.

Hold on for a second so I can say it again, because I can't really believe that people would be proud to call themselves an orange.

Maybe you can convince Washington or Washington State to call themselves the Apples, since they do battle for the Apple Cup.

That way, there will be more than one piece of fruit in the bowl.

62. New Mexico State Aggies

Again, another nickname that really isn't a nickname.

Now, I can understand Texas A&M going with the Aggies because I'm sure there are many farms good for agriculture.

But, agriculture in New Mexico?

I'm not up to date on what you guys are agriculturing, but to each his own.

61. Saint Louis Bilikens

You guys are a charm doll.

Yes, I said it...you're a doll.

A toy that little girls play with.

You ever seen a tiger play with a doll?

If not, you'll get a chance in first round when you get to play Memphis.

60. Western Kentucky Hilltopers

I know a Hilltopper is a type of passenger train.

Still, do you see your mascot?

You've got a student dressed in a big red M&M suit trying to break dance.

What part of my first sentence do you guys not understand?

59. Long Beach State 49ers

Yay, 49ers...you went West for gold.

There's something about the 49er nickname on the West Coast.

At least you can say you're on the right coast, unlike some college in Charlotte.

Nothing real bad to say, except you're just low in the rankings.

58. Creighton Blue Jays

Ah, don't you want to pet the pretty blue jay?

He looks so soft and cuddly.

Yeah, not so much.

Small birds spark no intimidation, thus the low ranking.

T-56. Louisville Cardinals and Lamar Cardinals

I once saw a cardinal on my parent's back porch.

It just sat there and did nothing but look into the empty bird feeder.

There was another time I saw a cardinal see its reflection in my in-laws window and kept flying into it.

Yeah, not really the smartest bird in the world.

Anybody else seen that happen?

55. LIU-Brooklyn Blackbirds

Now, I'll admit, seeing a blackbird is a cool thing, although it doesn't happen much for me.

Still, it's hard rank a small bird high on a power rankings list.

Credit still goes to the sick dunk in the conference championship game, though.

54. Kansas Jayhawks

I'm thinking Kansas wanted to be associated with the hawk, but fell short by putting "Jay" in front of it.

There was a doo wop group named the Jayhawks. Is that what they mean?

Maybe it's just the "Same old song. With a different meaning since you've been gone."

But, hey, you could play those Gaelic speakers in the second round, so things are still looking up.

53. Temple Owls

Hootie Hoo!

I tend to like the Owls' nickname, mainly because that was the nickname of my college (Kennesaw State)...yeah, we don't like to talk about men's basketball. We did beat Georgia Tech one time, but that's not really saying much.

So, back to the Temple Owls.

I really want to put you guys higher, but it's still tough being a mid-size bird. At least you're not in the lower class of birds, though.

52. Loyola (MD) Greyhounds

Ah, the Greyhounds.

Very fast dogs, but what else can they really do?

But, that speed's not going to matter when you run into Ohio State in the first round.

T49. Georgetown Hoyas, Gonzaga Bulldogs and UNC-Asheville Bulldogs

I consider myself a Georgia Bulldogs fan, but Bulldogs is such an overused nickname for schools.

Plus, bulldogs aren't really that fierce...unless they're going after an Auburn football player.

I love the animal, but I can't let that cloud my judgement...so, here's where I place them in my "mostly" unbiased rankings.

48. Murray State Racers

Now, this is a nice mascot, but it seems too happy in my book.

Still, you have to like a nice thoroughbred.

But, I don't see a horse being able to do much more than run a race. Although, some have a little fight in them.

47. Wisconsin Badgers

Every time I hear of a badger, I think of that Goodyear commercial where a beaver cut down a tree in front of the guys car to prevent him from going onto a bridge that was about to be swept away.

With a badger as a mascot, Wisconsin should pride itself on building a dam of defense.

Still, not intimidating an thus is ranked lower on the list.

46. Ohio State Buckeyes

Let me just be honest, I've never really liked Ohio State.

It's just something about them that rubs me the wrong way...in any sport.

But, Brutus is a quality mascot...a quality mascot to laugh at with the ugly smile on his face.

At least the SEC has wiped off that smile in BCS bowl games, well except for that one year they beat Arkansas with all those ineligible players.

At least I have solace in the fact that if the Buckeyes make it to the Sweet 16, Florida State will likely demolish them.

45. Virginia Cavaliers

Now, we're starting to get into guys who can do some damage.

Originally named for supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War, cavaliers have long been a part of history.

However, the mustache just doesn't do it for me. It doesn't look regal enough.

And, why are there supporters of King Charles I in Virginia? I know it was a colony, but I thought the Revolutionary War separated us from that.

On a side note, I do hope you guys beat Florida in the first round.

44. West Virginia Mountaineers

Now, there is a guy that seriously needs a haircut and a shave.

Although you guys are the tough, outdoors type, you've still got a long way to go to get near the top of the power rankings.

43. Texas Longhorns

Basically a cow with horns on it.

Sure, you provide milk and a good steak, but really how tough are you?

But, you are worth a pretty penny, so I guess it's not all that bad.

T41. Memphis Tigers and Missouri Tigers

Tigers are fierce animals, but it's another overused nickname among sports teams.

If it wasn't such a common nickname, there would definitely be a higher ranking here.

With that said, the tigers are ranked here because of the photo...have you ever seen a tiger with a smile on its face?

40. Florida Gators

Gators wear jean shorts!

The alligator is very ferocious and has very few predators that can overtake it.

But, again, as I stated before, I have relatively no bias. This is one of them, however.

If I'm to stay married, Florida can't appear anywhere near the top 10.

Remember, a happy wife equals a happy life.

T-36. Belmont Bruins, California Golden Bears, Baylor Bears, Montana Grizzlies

All four of these are bears, so they get ranked together.

I remember camping one time and putting a bear bag up because they liked to come into camp to eat our food.

We were sitting around by a fire and one came into the camp. Since the food was in the bear bag, this one decided to go after one of the tents.

Luckily nobody was in it.

T-34. Ohio Bobcats and Cincinnati Bearcats

Now, these are two animals I don't want to mess with

Known for its climbing abilities, bearcats seem to have this evil look on their face.

Bobcats pounce on their prey in the blink of an eye, giving the prey no chance.

Definitely will be a good power-ranking matchup when they face Michigan in the first round.

33. Indiana Hoosiers

Although there is nothing scary or distinctive about a Hoosier, I went more with tradition here.

With one of the greatest basketball traditions in this country, I'm giving props to the school for all they've done.

But, other than that, there's not much to Hoosiers, although the movie was pretty good.

32. Connecticut Huskies

People who like dogs have their favorite breed.

For me, huskies are one of my favorite breeds mainly because of their ability to adapt to their surroundings.

No matter what situation they're facing, they'll more than likely succeed.

Hey, that's like the Huskies' men's team this year.

They'll be able to adapt to their bracket, and we could see the first big upset of the tournament happen in the second round against Kentucky.

31. Vanderbilt Commodores

Either a president of a yacht club or a high-ranking naval official in other countries.

Either way, there's probably a few bucks in their pocket.

And, as we've seen in this country, the more money you have, the more power you have.

You think that's why Vanderbilt beat Kentucky in the SEC Tournament final?

T-29. Vermont Catamounts and BYU Cougars

Catamounts are cougars, so that's why they're grouped together.

With a stalk-and-pounce mentality, the cougar is one of the fiercest animals known to attack domesticated animals.

Maybe both teams can take that approach in their first matchup.

28. South Dakota State Jack Rabbits

I just love the nickname Jack Rabbits.

Something about it makes it hard for me to dislike the name.

There's not much to these animals, but I do wonder why South Dakota State called themselves the jack rabbits.

Are there actually jack rabbits in South Dakota?

From what I've read, jack rabbits are more known to be in the South.

Maybe I'm wrong and someone can clarify.

27. Wichita State Shockers

"We gonna shock the world."

Sorry, I was watching the ESPN documentary on the Fab Five the other day and it's stuck in my head.

This mascot is like a cross between Beavis and Barney Rubble, which isn't something to be proud of.

Maybe Witchita State can avoid being "shocked" in the first round.

26. Florida State Seminoles

As we get further into the power rankings, some will question why certain teams are lower than you would expect.

To that I say, that's how good some of these mascots are.

The Seminoles are one of those.

Known as a fierce warrior, it's tough to put these guys down here, but as you'll see with my next choice, there's no contest in which is tougher.

Still a great mascot and one of my picks to go to the Final Four this year.

25. Purdue Boilermakers

So, a boilermaker is someone who makes boilers.

Having to deal with the heat and elements, it's hard not to put them where they are in the rankings.

One of the great things about this country is the shift workers, who basically make this country run. And, a boilermaker is one of those who keep this country running.

So, that's my reason for having them this high.

24. Colorado Buffaloes

Now, this is one animal I definitely don't want to get in front of.

You ever seen Ralphie run on the football field during a Colorado game?

That's something I wouldn't feel comfortable being around.

The buffalo is a pristine animal, especially at Ted's Montana Grill. How long until Ralphie is on the menu?

23. Xavier Musketeers

All for one and one for all.

I know you've all read the story or seen the movie.

Some of the first soldiers armed with muskets in Europe, musketeers were masters on many weapons, kinda like Xavier on the court.

While I wouldn't say they've mastered a lot of things, they're still very good at many things.

22. San Diego State Aztecs

The Aztec is one of the most well-known warriors of early history.

Until the Spanish conquest in the early 16th century, Aztecs were the most feared warriors in their area, and their legend lives on today.

Can you imagine facing one of those guys? My guess is you probably won't have a good day.

21. Iowa State Cyclones

Yeah, do you really want to get in front of a cyclone?

One of the worst natural things that can happen, cyclones have the ability to destroy everything in its path with no remorse.

Although they're more powerful than most of the other mascots on this list, they still get ranked a little lower.

It's like throwing dynamite out when you're playing rock, paper, scissors.

T-18. Kentucky Wildcats, Kansas State Wildcats, Davidson Wildcats

Like the tigers, wildcats are another nickname that is overly used.

But, the fact that they can adapt to multiple surroundings, puts them higher than the other felines.

Still, I'm not a fan of the nickname.

17. South Florida Bulls

Now, there's a nickname.

I like that it's uncommon and is a fierce animal.

Known for their temper, bulls are best to be kept at bay and undisturbed.

Still, some people think it's fun to do so.

We'll see if these Bulls get angry in the opening round.

T15. Colorado State Rams and VCU Rams

A tough sheep, rams are animals that don't want to be messed with.

Just leave them alone and they'll leave you alone.

This mascot has a tough look and is a well put-together one.

Probably could've been ranked lower, but they're still worth a top-20 spot.

14. Duke Blue Devils

I honestly wanted to rank these guys last.

I don't have a high opinion of devils and never will.

But, it is what it is, and the Blue Devils get ranked here.

Feared by many, a devil is not one someone wants to see on their left shoulder.

13. Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils

Although it's pretty much the same as Duke's Blue Devils, I had to give the Delta Devils a spot higher just because they went with something other than a color, like many other schools do.

The fear is still there, but I like the creativity.

12. Detroit Titans

A titan is an older Greek god or someone with great strength and intelligence.

Power is something synonymous with titans, so that's why I have them ranked here.

After all, it is the power rankings.

For Detroit, all of these are going to have to hold true if they want to get out of the first round.

11. North Carolina Tar Heels

Known basically as people from North Carolina, Tar Heels have a lot of stories about how they came about.

My favorite dates back to the Civil War when soldiers for the confederacy from North Carolina who stuck in their ranks like they had tar on their heels.

Could be true, could be false.

But, it still makes a great story, and putting a soldier near the top is an obvious choice for me given my military history.

10. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

You ever tried to talk to a drunk Irishman?

Not very easy to talk to...not to mention the accent.

These are some of the toughest guys on the block and definitely one of the coolest logos with the leprechaun with his fists up.

9. Lehigh Mountain Hawks

The hawk is a cool bird to watch fly.

Not only do they have the ability to move around easily, they have the tendency to strike from the sky.

Definitely wouldn't want to be one of the animals classified as their prey.

T-7. New Mexico Lobos and N.C. State Wolfpack

A wolf is one of the fiercest animals around.

Add a few more to them to make a pack, and now you're talking.

When you put them in a group, they're one of the toughest around and that's why they are put this high in the rankings.

6. Michigan Wolverines

The wolverine has been documented to kill animals two or three times its size.

Any time you have an animal that can do that, it's definitely up there in the power rankings.

Again, I'm invoking a little bit of bias due to the fact that Michigan is my favorite college basketball team.

So, what, I'm only human. I can have a little bias if I want to.

At least it doesn't show up in my writing...well, at least I don't think so.

5. UNLV Runnin' Rebels

How many times have you seen a Civil War movie and seen a Southerner screaming, shouting and going crazy.

Although located out in Las Vegas, I think the same holds true here.

And, if that's not the meaning, then maybe they're going after someone who tends to deviate from the norm. Someone who goes against all logic. Okay, maybe that's more like it, although their mascot looks more like the Ole Miss mascot.

Still, a great mascot that is worthy of a top-five ranking.

T3. Michigan State Spartans and Norfolk State Spartans

This is Sparta!

No doubt one of the greatest lines in any movie in history, Spartans were known to be strong warriors who did what they wanted, when they wanted.

As seen in the movie 300, they have the ability to take an enemy's strength and turn it into a weakness.

Known to be some of the first professional soldiers, Spartans are and always will be known as some of the most dynamic warriors in history.

T1. Marquette Golden Eagles and Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles

So, I have a tie for the top spot, and again my bias will take over.

But, this bias has a better explanation...I hope.

Being former military, I've come to known the eagle as a symbol of our country. It's a symbol of everything that's great about this country.

When someone asks me if I could be an animal, what would I be? I always say an eagle because not only are eagles a symbol, but being a bird, they can go as high as they want to go.

Just like in life, we can go as high as we want to go, if we're willing to put in the work.

Life doesn't come easy, but if you work at it, you'll be able to achieve all your dreams.

Call me crazy, but I think this is no contest as the best mascot in the NCAA tournament field.