Mark Pope had no intention of celebrating a victory over Texas with the infamous “Horns Down” gesture. The mere mention or display of “Horns Down” is enough to provoke strong reactions in college sports, particularly from the Texas Longhorns and their fans. Many programs tread carefully around this sensitivity, and BYU was no exception.
In a recent Big 12 clash between BYU and Texas, nine students from BYU made a bold statement by wearing T-shirts that spelled out “HORNS DOWN” in the front row of the ROC (Roar of Cougars) student section.
These strategically placed seats were right next to the Texas bench. However, their shirts didn’t last long, as BYU requested their removal during the first media timeout.
Despite the brief controversy, the 21st-ranked Cougars went on to secure a decisive 84-72 victory over the Longhorns, improving their overall record to 15-5.
After the game, BYU head coach Mark Pope addressed the incident during a conversation with reporters, as reported by KSL Sports’ Mitch Harper. Pope expressed disapproval of the shirts, stating, “They were taken off before the game started, right? From the ROC, and from our players, and from our student body, that’s just not us. That’s not how we roll, and it was just a miscalculation on a couple eager kids, which — we love the eagerness of these fans — but that’s not what we do here … That’s not something that we’re supporting.”
The “Horns Down” taunt has once again sparked conversation in college sports, gaining attention after comments from Texas head coach Rodney Terry. The incident serves as a reminder of the emotions and sensitivities surrounding traditional gestures and rivalries in the world of collegiate athletics.
