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LSU mascot Mike the Tiger goes after Texas player after Longhorns stun Tigers in Death Valley
Texas beat LSU 22–21 in Death Valley with a touchdown pass from Arch Manning with two seconds left, ending LSU’s hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff. After the final whistle, Texas players celebrated near the student section, where freshman receiver Chris Stewart taunted LSU’s live tiger mascot, Mike, who lunged towards him before six handlers held the animal back.
Both Manning and LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt threw three interceptions. The defeat was LSU’s fourth of the season, while No. 6 Texas has regular-season games against Arkansas and Texas A&M remaining and could still contend for a first-round playoff bye.
In short
- Texas edged LSU 22–21 on a touchdown with two seconds left.
- Mike the Tiger lunged at a Texas player after the game.
- LSU’s fourth loss ended its playoff hopes.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Texas players had just secured a dramatic win, and celebrating near their supporters was a natural response; Stewart may have been caught up in the emotion of the moment. The handlers restrained Mike before anyone was hurt, and the incident can be seen as a brief lapse in judgement rather than evidence of a wider safety failure.
The case against
A live tiger is a powerful, unpredictable animal, so taunting it near a crowded student section created an avoidable risk to players, handlers and spectators. Even in the excitement of a major victory, Stewart had reason to keep his distance and respect the handlers’ responsibility for the mascot’s safety and control.