The Auburn War Eagle Has Landed In CA (Photo)

Though not the school's official nickname (that of course is the Tigers), the famous words “War Eagle” are as synonymous with Auburn football as any piece of tradition associated with the Alabama university. While the origin of the battle cry is very much up for debate, there is absolutely no question regarding the importance of the majestic flyer to the SEC institution.

Monday, a few hours prior to opening kickoff of the BCS National Championship Game, War Eagle VII was spotted in the parking lot of the Fairmont Newport Beach hotel, the Tigers' BCS base of operation, during the days leading up to their title game tussle with the Florida State Seminoles. The above original photo shows War Eagle VII, as it rested upon its handler's arm.

While the Auburn players and coaches moved on to the Omni Los Angeles Hotel (on the night prior to Monday's game), one of the program's greatest and most visible figures was hanging back at the place the team called home for the majority of their visit to Southern California.