The 1949 Iron Bowl brought out the Amorak in several Auburn students, including T.M. “Mouse” Pruitt of Camp Hill and Bob Gene McBride of Talladega, who celebrated the Tigers upset win (14-13) over the Crimson Tide with parodies of “T’was The Night Before Christmas.”
Their efforts (printed in the January 25, 1950 issue of The Plainsman) helped lay the foundation of a proud, forward-able tradition continued annually in Auburn message boards to this day.
First up is Pruitt’s, which he titled: “Midnight in Birmingham” or “Ripple, Tide, Ripple! Drip, Drip, Drip.” The work is dedicated to Coach Earl Brown (who would be fired a year later) and “all dem Tigers”:
The poem by McBride, who performed it for Auburn students at home in Talladega over the holidays, is untitled:
That’s cool…but I just read the best Bo Jackson story ever.
Nice job and War Eagle!!
That is AUsome, Allen. The next time any other fan asks me what AU family means, i’m going to point them in this direction.
First – Happy Birthday Bob Gene!!! Second – a poet!! I didn’t think I could be more impressed with my favorite boss – but I am completely impressed and proud!!! Third – wish I had been there for the phone call to England – Bob knows how I love a good laugh ( especially at his expense!!)!!!
[...] 'Twas the Night Before Christmas rip-offs have apparently become all the rage within the Auburn Family. Here's a pretty good one about this year's Iron Bowl that I ran [...]
Hey grand bob that’s a great poem. I love you.