'Twas the night game at Southern

'Twas the night game at Southern

and all through my house

not a member of my family stirring

especially my spouse

the shotguns were stored

by the front door with care

in hopes that my daughter's boyfriend

would not sneak in there

the young children were nestled

all snug in their beds

while visions of Shumperts

danced in their heads

my buddy Tyler with his sixpack

and I in my cap

had just settled in for the early game recaps

when on my tv there arose such a clatter

I turned up the volume to see what was the matter

away to ESPN I flew like a flash

just in time to see a long 'Bama TD dash

with the Tide up big and set to rollin'

I killed a few moments watching some movie with Josh Brolin

for the game that I wanted so desperately to appear

was still an hour from kickoff; MSU football: not yet near

Some late Pac-12 action helped the time to pass quick,

And finally, oh finally, it was time for first kick.

More rapid than eagles the touchdowns came,

Dak whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

"Now, De'Runnya! here, Fred Ross! and Gus Walley too!

Seam routes, and wheel routes, for each one of you!

Rushing 'round the ends! score before you fall!

Save some for Nick James; he's coming in to run the ball"

With the game well in hand; the outcome quite clear

it was time for some crowd shots, and Dan Mullen there and here

The playsheet he used held tight in his teeth,

And his visor, it encircled his head like a wreath;

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how sweaty!

I was starting to see the comparisons to Cousin Eddie!

He headed off the field with a victory in tow,

And congratulated his QB for putting on quite a show;

He sprang to his bus, to his driver gave a nod,

And the team loaded up for the 2 a.m. trod.

But I heard him exclaim, to fans of dogs (bull)—

a Hail State to all,