The Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns will square off in the latest edition of the Red River Showdown on Saturday, October 12 in what looks to be a top 15 clash between the longtime rivals. Ahead of the big game, students are being warned about their conduct.
According to a report from the OU Daily, Oklahoma cheerleaders have been warned against using the “Horns Down” hand sign which is used to mock Texas’ “Hook ’em Horns” sign.
Other members of the spirit squads, including mascots, have also been instructed not to use the taunt.
The report states:
Seven student members from across OU’s spirit teams, including the cheer squad, RUF/NEKS, Lil’ Sis and mascots programs, have told The Daily they’ve been instructed by OU Spirit Coordinator Phil O’Neill not to use the hand sign. The students, some of whom have graduated and some who remain in the program, all shared the information on the condition of anonymity. Their identities are known to The Daily.
While the warning and instruction is in place, we’ll have to see whether the students actually listen when the rivalry is here and emotions are running high.
Both the Sooners and Longhorns entered the 2019 college football season ranked in the top ten. Oklahoma checked in at No. 4, while the Longhorns are No. 10. In the latest AP Top 25 Poll, the Sooners sit at No. 6 while Texas is No. 11.
The Red River Showdown, previously known as the Red River Shootout, Red River Classic, and Red River Rivalry, dates back to 1900. In the very first meeting between the Sooners and Longhorns, Texas earned a 28-2 win. Throughout the series — which awards the winner the Golden Hat — there have been 114 meetings. Texas leads the all-time series with a record of 62-47-5. Texas also holds the longest winning streak at 8, but the largest victory belongs to Oklahoma who earned a 65-13 win in 2003.
