There’s something wonderfully surreal about a giant nut becoming one of college football’s most endearing mascots—but that’s ...

Jason Fitz and Christine Williamson discuss the true backstory behind Ohio University mascot Rufus the Bobcat's attack on Ohio State mascot Brutus just before kickoff on Sept. 18, 2010.

Of course, actually becoming the Ohio State mascot entails much more than that. There’s an intense tryout process, a bevy of stunts and skills to learn, a never-ending quest to perfect the ...