Best college mascot: Bucky Badger or Brutus? | The Tylt

Whether it's running out with the team, interacting with the crowd or making appearances in the community, college mascots are the lovable representatives of universities that no one can get enough of. Players might disappoint, coaches may be subpar, but mascots are always there to pick you up.

In the spirit of the upcoming March Madness, we at The Tylt want to know who the best mascot in the country is! One side of the bracket is exclusively live mascots, while the other is costumed symbols of their respective universities. Choose your favorite!

Don't forget to vote on our other debate in the bracket!

Has your mascot ever had 85 statues built in their honor and placed all around an entire city? Yeah, didn't think so.

Bucky Badger is one of a kind. He is the people's mascot. All ages enjoy him, he's not offensive and his roots extend well past his own existence. Here is Emma Pankratz of Travel Wisconsin with more:

The nickname actually dates back to the 1820s, when mining became a huge business, leading thousands of men to the ample iron ore mines in the Midwest.

Wisconsin workers made temporary homes by digging caves into the rock of the mines, similar to tunnels that badgers dig for shelter. The miners came to be known as “badger boys” or “badgers,” and the name eventually came to represent the state itself.

It's a tough hang to be represented by a nut, but Brutus makes it look good.

The rambunctious Buckeye has made appearances with College Gameday and has over 30 statues all over Ohio State. He also has the largest bust in the Mascot Hall of Fame and is a former Universal Cheerleaders Association Division I College Mascot National Champion.

A resume like that is impossible to top.