Ranking the 10 most iconic college football traditions

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NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 28: Auburn Tigers War Eagle mascot during the Music City Bowl game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Auburn Tigers at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2018 in Nashville, TN. (Photo by Steve Roberts/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 7: Auburn, War Eagle

Auburn’s mascot is the Tiger, but, “War Eagle,” is their battle cry. Wear an Auburn shirt and expect to be greeted with that by any and every Tigers’ fan. But what’s it mean?

Eagles have been associated with the university for over 100 years. Their role? “To promote wildlife conservation as a part of the education initiatives of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.” Many overlook that simple fact because, well, an eagle is flying around a stadium is simply majestic. It pulls at the heartstrings of every American. Eagles have come to represent strength, power and courage, and frankly, they’re just a beautiful creature.

Each home pre-game sees Auburn’s War Eagle fly around Jordan-Hare Stadium, and the first flight happened in 2000 prior to playing Wyoming. A handful of eagles have taken flight at Auburn games, and the tradition of landing near midfield was birthed just two games after the first flight.