LSU was less than 5 minutes into their football season before mother nature forced a cancellation.

The Tigers were supposed to play McNeese State in the season opener. Instead, it was canceled and will not be made up.

McNeese State will keep the $500,000 check given to the school for the game.

At the 10:08 mark of the first quarter, after each team had one offensive series, lightning struck near Tiger stadium, leading to a weather delay. A strong storm cell remained over Baton Rouge for the rest of the night.

On several occasions, a time was set to restart play of the scoreless game, but lightning would strike again.

LSU athletic director Joe Alleva stated the Tigers would do whatever they could to get the game in, but if it couldn't start before midnight, the game would be cancelled. It was.

Alleva also stated the university will address fan refunds for the game in the future.

Perhaps the return of Mike the Tiger was a sign of changes in the air. The live Tiger mascot had not left his cage for pregame festivities since 2013, but entered his mobile cage, taking a tour around the lower bowl of Tiger stadium.

Fans were fired up to see Mike, and fired up to see their Tigers. The excitement was short lived as lightning and torrential rain took over LSU's campus, canceling the game.

LSU now gears up for SEC play on the road. Next Saturday they travel to Starkville for a showdown with Mississippi State. Kickoff is set for 8:15.

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
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