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 Jan. 25, 1950 issue of The Plainsman, helped lay the foundation of a proud, forwardable tradition continued annually in Auburn message boards to this day. And on al.com. These were the firsts. Before they even was an Iron Bowl, so-called, for their to be a night t’was before, or something.
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.” Enjoy the adulation while it lasts, Earl!
Here’s the poem by McBride. It’s untitled:
McBride held a reading of the poem for fellow Auburn students home in Talladega for the holidays. He seems to have had a flair for the dramatic. Immediately following the game, he called the King of England to tell him the score.
Related: How Bama remembered Punt, Bama, Punt.
Originally published Nov. 24, 2010.
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More Iron Bowl:
* Auburn fan who ran onto the field during the 1969 Iron Bowl tells all!
* More like the BUST Bama pep rally…
* The Snorg Tees Girl in a 1987 Auburn Iron Bowl victory T-shirt
* This song about the 1969 Iron Bowl is awesome
* A rap about the 1989 Iron Bowl
* Aubie romances early 80s coed on Bear skin rug
* David Housel’s radio address before the 2002 Iron Bowl
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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!!)!!!
Hey grand bob that’s a great poem. I love you.