Georgia's Uga is the best mascot in college football

ATHENS, Ga. — College football fans earlier this season voted on the best mascot in the sport.

It wasn’t really a contest. Georgia’s English Bulldog, Uga, has long been a college football favorite.

The line of dogs dates back to 1956 when Uga I, “Hood’s Ole Dan,” first took the field for the home opener against Florida State.

Today, Uga X reigns over a Bulldogs team chasing its first national title since 1980.

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Here’s a look at the mascots who have shared the moniker of “Damn Good Dog:”

Uga I, 1956-66 - Made his first appearance in the 1956 home opener. He hid in the Sanford Stadium hedges before there was a dog house.

Uga II, 1966-72 - During his reign, Georgia played in five bowl games and won two SEC championships.

Uga III, 1972-80 - Appeared in six bowl games in nine years and closed out his career with Georgia's 1980 national championship.

Uga IV, 1981-89 - The first Georgia mascot to attend a bowl game every year of his service.

Uga V, 1990-99 - Appeared on 1997 Sports Illustrated cover declaring him the nation's best college mascot.

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Uga VI, 1999-2008 - He reigned over more games (114) than any other mascot.

Uga VII, 2008-2009 - Reigned for one full season, that ended with a 24-12 win at the Capital One Bowl in Orlando.

Uga VIII, 2010-2011 - Served just six games before missing the bowl game after a diagnosis of lymphoma.

Uga IX, 2012-2015 - "Russ," the half-brother of Uga VII, served a full season with interim status until promoted in 2012.

Uga X, 2015-present - Known as "Que," he officially took over reins on Nov. 21, 2015.

This article was written by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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