Big Jay Striving Toward Playoffs in Mascot Challenge

Nov. 15, 2005

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Big Jay is sitting in ninth place in the Capital One Mascot Challenge as he enters the final week of competition. Big Jay lost his matchup with Joe Bruin (6-4) of UCLA last week, moving his record to 4-6. Big Jay is still in contention for one of the six playoff spots, but needs a win this week against top seed and Big 12 rival Herbie Husker (8-2) of Nebraska.

“This is a big matchup for me,” said Big Jay. “If I can pull off an upset this week, my playoff hopes are still alive.”

At the beginning of the week, Big Jay was trailing Herbie Husker by about 4,000 votes. Big Jay needs the support of all of his loyal fans in his bid to make the playoffs. “I appreciate the support that my fans have given me so far,” said Big Jay. “We just need to put together one more good week.”

Fans can vote every day for Big Jay at www.capitalonebowl.com, or via text message by sending the code M2 to 4ESPN (43776). Voting for Big Jay’s matchup against Herbie Husker will end Monday, Nov. 21, at 7:59 a.m.

Each week, Big Jay will be matched up against a mascot from a different school. Voting periods for each matchup will run from 8:00 a.m. Monday to 7:59 a.m. the following Monday. On Nov. 21, the regular season ends and the mascots with the top six overall records in head-to-head matchups advance to the playoffs. The playoffs will be single elimination and will consist of three rounds. Voting for the championship match will run from Dec. 5 to Dec. 19, with the winner being crowned Jan. 2, 2006, at the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla.