4. Volunteers. That is a great name. It has ties to history. It is virtually unique, et cetera. But the University of Tennessee pretty much insists on calling the women's basketball team the "Lady Vols," so they lose points for that.

3. Blue Devils. I suppose that's OK. But many years ago Duke invited my father to pursue his education elsewhere, so I say to hell with 'em. He freely admitted that he didn't exactly apply himself at anything except boxing while matriculating there. But soon enough his studies involved learning how to operate the Norden bombsight.

2. Bulldogs. Not all that original. And not everyone is gaga about "Zags." But they do have the home court advantage.

1. Terrapins. It's seldom true that slow and steady wins the race. But having a turtle as a mascot is pretty appealing, even if Maryland's team often gets called the Terps, which sounds like a skin condition or digestive upset.

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