The University of California San Diego says it could be facing half a billion dollars in annual budget cuts. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that University Chancellor Pradeep Khosla issued a public statement that that the school might have to slash its $9 billion budget by as much as 12.5%.

What gives a team its identity? Is it the coach, the players, or the fans? Sure, they play a part, but really, it is the mascot. Whether a live mascot or a student in a costume, the mascot's job is to inspire fans to cheer their team to victory.

While the Michigan Wolverine basketball team is riding high after completing an arduous journey through the Big Ten Tournament, they are smart to be leery of th