This intriguing matchup places the generously-seeded #1 Viking against the #4 Cowboy. Winner will face the Chief in the next round, which has to motivate the Cowboy as he steps into the Octagon. Further hindering the morose Norseman: the realization that everything cool about Vikings — horned helmets, skull cups, savage marauding, uncleanliness — is all bullshit. Ouch. Drew didn’t see that one coming.

Poll is on the sidebar to the right. Voting will remain open until the end of the day.

Contestants

Cowboy___________________Viking

Headwear that lives on at frat parties

Cowboy hat______________Helmet with horns

Attire co-opted by gay community

Chaps___________________________Fur

Projectile Weapons

Pistols, rifle____________Maybe a bow and arrow? Some rocks?

Musical endeavor diminishing tough reputation

“Rhinestone Cowboy”_____________VikingKittens.com

Bastardized icon shaming the legacy

Toby Keith ___________________Techno Viking

Rode

Horses with saddle___________Rape victims bareback

Cause of decline

Homophobia___________Christianity, feudal system

Became pussified when

Jake Gyllenhaal showed up___________Re-enactors adopted them

Modern negative connotation

George Bush’s “cowboy diplomacy”___Shawne Merriman’s “viking date rape”

Finishing move

Blaze of glory, ride off into sunset____Set town ablaze, sail off edge of earth