We weren't sure what exactly the mascot was eating, until we saw a separate photo of the mascot carrying away an effigy of its rival Ole Miss.  By the way, it's a terrible thing to photograph a mascot (or one of its close relatives, theme park characters) with its head removed.  We've sent a message back through time, cautioning the photographer against violating mascot etiquette.  (What's the point?  You know nothing will convince him not to use these photos.)  From Memphis State's 1963 yearbook.