| FTBL More details come out about the popcorn outfit for Big Al.

TerryP

Staff
Alabama’s 42-21 win over Ole Miss was eventful for a number of reasons and most involved Lane Kiffin. His pre-kickoff interview with CBS became an instant lightning rod as he told everyone to “get your popcorn ready” and tossed his headset to the ground.

Of course that set the internet ablaze and what followed only made it more entertaining.

Alabama scored the game’s first 35 points as Kiffin’s gambles busted and the popcorn line was instantly used against the former Crimson Tide offensive coordinator.

The jokes hit another level, however, when the Big Al elephant mascot stomped onto the field in the second half with a new costume. Fashioned around the furry exterior was, yes, a popcorn box overflowing with kernels.

The joke landed.

But how did they nail it so quickly? Alabama’s director of spirit programs, Jennifer Thrasher explained the timeline via email Sunday.

She said it began with a text from a coworker who heard about the pregame interview. Alabama was up comfortably, 28-0, at the time so Thrasher said she sent a staffer back to Big Al’s lair in Coleman Coliseum.

It turns out they’ve had this popcorn costume for a few years for use at Alabama basketball games. Big Al even wore it once last season when COVID-19 restrictions had mascots confined to the seating bowl and off the field.

So once they hustled the wardrobe change up Bryant Drive in time for Big Al to stick the landing with the punchline of the day.

 
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