The LSU Tigers are set to take on their greatest rival in the Alabama Crimson Tide this weekend. The game should be a hard-fought battle as it typically is between these two SEC heavyweights. However, LSU will likely be having a special guest on the sidelines during this game. A real live tiger, for the first time in almost a decade. The last tiger to grace the sidelines of Death Valley was Mike VI back in 2015. Unfortunately, Mike VI passed away in 2016.
Mike VII has been the LSU mascot since 2017 but has never attended a Tigers game. Mike VII is an eight-year-old tiger that lives across the street from the stadium in his own enclosure. From what various other reports have stated, it doesn’t sound like Mike VII will be the tiger on the sidelines for this SEC clash.
How This Came to Be
Earlier this year, Louisiana Govenor Jeff Landry stated he wanted to see a live tiger back on the sidelines in Death Valley again. This could have had something to do with this finally getting done after almost a decade. The LSU Tigers mascot used to be a staple on the sidelines and created a unique atmosphere to attending an LSU game. Not many teams can say they have a real-life tiger on their sideline for a game.
Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, a veterinarian was reportedly very instrumental in making this a possibility for the LSU Tigers. LSU seems to have covered all their bases on this one, and it’s appearing to be more and more likely that we truly will be seeing a tiger in Death Valley come Saturday night.
The LSU Tigers Aim to Upset Alabama
This Saturday night, the LSU Tigers aim to upset Alabama and improve their chances of making the College Football Playoffs. LSU took a big hit in those odds when they lost to Texas A&M just a week ago. The LSU Tigers come into this contest ranked 15th in the country, while Alabama comes in at 11th and currently in the top 12 for the expanded playoffs.
Could having a real tiger on the sidelines give the LSU Tigers the boost they need to beat their longtime rival. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier hopes to rebound from his shaky performance against Texas A&M and Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe aims to shut up the critics calling for him to be benched. LSU HC Brian Kelly has stressed the importance of this game and knows his team needs to play their best for the rest of the season. One more loss would make it nearly impossible for LSU to make the College Football Playoffs.
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