I like the Red Gator, but I think it just isn't quite original for us. No matter what though I think the pepper mascot should be tossed. It is fine to use the pepper to accent logos, but NOT DANCING AROUND AT ANY UL ATHLETIC EVENT!
If a live mascot is what you guys are pushing for... why not go with a combination of the pelican/catahoula idea and get two cataloulas and name them Louis & Anna. They could come and sit at the games just as the bulldog once did. I think they would be splendid. It's our state dog and that makes it the most original. It would not in any since label us as something other than the Ragin' Cajuns because it is a dog. It is seen as just that. I think a gator would be misleading, people would be trying to put it on shirts and all... and even if we get a gator to the game it will be green, not red.
Let's decide on simplistic and original, something that can stay around for a while and be loved. I think the dog gives us that for sure
my two cents