Orange we lucky to have such a mascot.

The history of the Syracuse mascot is rather interesting and has been an indicator of the times. Last night watching SU lose to Pitt (making me more anxious for next Sunday's U of L/Syracuse match-up), I began to think about how odd a citrus orange is for representing the Central New York region. Looking out at the 100 inches of snow that have already accumulated in the area, I'm thinking that Otto is rather strange, indeed, and that the Syracuse Abominibal Snowmen would work (picture Bumble in a jersey).

Even so, Otto gives local fans hope for warmer days and citrus smiles. Yes, Syracuse once were known as the Saltine Warriors and could have become a troll, a ranger, a gnat or a beast, but instead they ended as an orange.

It makes one crave vitamin C.