Stanford Tree Pens Thoughtful Message After Pop-Tarts Bowl Mascot Is Devoured

The Stanford Cardinal band’s mascot spent the day in mourning.

The Pop-Tarts Bowl has been one of the highlights of bowl season thus far, as the game included an edible Pop-Tart mascot for the winners to eat. After Kansas State defeated North Carolina State on Thursday night, the Wildcats ate the mascot in a surreal postgame ceremony.

Although the scene entertained college football fans everywhere, it was difficult for mascots around the country to watch. In particular, the Stanford Tree took it hard, calling the Pop-Tarts mascot a “mentor” while mourning the loss on social media.

“I find solace in knowing that—in being eaten—you achieved your most precious goal,” the Tree wrote. “This loss is bitter and sweet, sugary and tart. Just like you.”

The famed Cardinal mascot ended the post with a Bible verse, Leviticus 26:29, a perfect choice to honor its Pop-Tarts colleague.

“You will eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters,” the passage says. 

Bowl season is all about the ridiculousness sponsor celebrations, and Pop-Tarts successfully executed the promotion of the year.