Ever wonder how your alma mater got its nickname? Some are obvious – those schools whose teams are named after something indigenous – but others can leave even the most ardent fans scratching their heads. After all, since when did a Golden Gopher, Buckeye or even a Horned Frog seem all the tough and scary?
Many college football teams can thank their local newspapers, history and vivid imagination for providing the perfect name at the perfect time.
Below is a look at some of the more interesting names from a smattering of teams from the Power Five football conferences: