“It just means more”: CFB fans left ecstatic as Alabama-LSU game awaits a live tiger during Week 11 showdown at the Death Valley stadium 

LSU is set to host Alabama in Baton Rouge this weekend in a high-stakes SEC showdown with significant playoff implications According to reports, Brian Kelly's squad will feature a live tiger on the sideline — a tradition the team is reviving for the first time in nearly a decade.

LSU's live mascot tradition was halted in 2015 following the tiger Max VI's death due to cancer in 2016. State Senator Bill Wheat confirmed this development to the Louisiana Illuminator.

The news has sparked excitement across the college football community, as some fans said a live tiger on the sidelines brings a unique intensity. Here's a look at some reactions online:

Here are more reactions to the development online:

"We used to be a proper country," a fan wrote.

"Ring back traditions!!" another fan wrote.

"We're so back. Going to be sick of all the winning very quickly at this rate," a fan commented.

"Talk about a home field advantage!" another fan commented.

How LSU is bringing back its live tiger mascot tradition

The revival of LSU's live tiger mascot tradition in football games seems to be spearheaded by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. He publicly voiced his intention earlier this fall to reinstate the beloved symbol at the university, and anticipation has been building since.

Playing a pivotal role in reviving the tradition alongside the state governor is Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham. According to the Louisiana Illuminator, Landry has assembled an unofficial committee to advocate for bringing back a live mascot to LSU games. This group includes State Senator Bill Wheat, also a veterinarian and an active participant in the initiative.

Wheat said in an interview with the Illuminator that the live tiger appearing on Saturday will not be Mike VII, who became the school's official mascot in 2017. The eight-year-old Mike VII has never been to an LSU game since taking the mascot role.

There are said to be some undisclosed concerns about bringing Mike VII to the Tiger Stadium. Concerns about bringing Mike VII to the stadium have prompted Abraham to suggest using another tiger

Historically, LSU positioned its live tiger mascot outside the visitors' locker room, feeding it raw steak to unsettle opposing teams. During the game, the tiger would be stationed on the sidelines, where its occasional roars would heighten the crowd’s energy.