No. 5 Michigan plays No. 12 UC San Diego in first round of March Madness trying to reach the next round of NCAA tournament. Follow for live updates.

The biggest pitfall for UC-San Diego could be its inexperience. If Michigan takes advantage and overwhelms the Tritons early it could be too much. If UC-San Diego can survive that type of setback, it has all the makings of a classic March Madness Cinderella.

What gives a team its identity? Is it the coach, the players, or the fans? Sure, they play a part, but really, it is the mascot. Whether a live mascot or a student in a costume, the mascot's job is to inspire fans to cheer their team to victory.