Live mascots are a beloved part of college football pageantry and tradition and the University of Tennessee's Smokey is regarded as one of the best.
The tradition got its start when Smokey I, also known as Blue Smokey, was selected as the Volunteers first mascot in 1953 by the UT pep club. Rev. Bill Brooks, Blue Smokey's owner, and his brother-in-law Earl Hudson have supplied Tennessee with successive Bluetick Coonhounds ever since.
The reigning mascot, Smokey X, took over the post in 2013. He's enjoying himself in his new role, as you'll see in the video below from the University of Tennessee's YouTube account.
The ol' hound dog will lead his beloved Volunteers out of the T to face North Texas tomorrow at noon with bowl eligibility on the line.
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