Oklahoma football knows a thing or two about heated and deep-rooted rivalries. Since 1900, Oklahoma has battled the Texas Longhorns in the Red River Rivalry, one of the most storied rivalries in college football. Since 2010, Oklahoma has primarily dominated their archrival, winning 11-of-16 during that span. In the heat of battle, the teams fought ferociously on the gridiron, with emotions flying high, including from longtime legendary OU quarterback Baker Mayfield. From 2015 to 2017, Mayfield, a Texas-born quarterback, beat the Longhorns twice and became synonymous with the “horns down” hand gesture.
However, it was against the Ohio State Buckeyes when he took it further, planting an Oklahoma football flag at midfield following a road win. Last weekend, during rivalry week, flag-planting became a significant topic of discussion, resulting in on-field brawls. Mayfield took to the podium on Sunday, speaking on the matter that plagued college football last Saturday. Mayfield believes it is part of the game, much to the support of college football fans.
Ex-Oklahoma Football Star Supports Tauting In Rivalries
According to On3 via Twitter:
Baker Mayfield kept it when asked about rivalry week flag plantings in CFB: “College football is meant to have rivalries. That’s like the Big 12 banning the ‘horns down’ signal. Just let the boys play.” (via @JennaLaineESPN).
Oklahoma football has no love lost for their archrival Texas. Oklahoma has long practiced the “horns down” hand signal across their tenured rivalry. However, it is not the only big-time rivalry, with Michigan and Ohio State playing in “The Game” each season. Meanwhile, Alabama and Auburn have the “Iron Bowl,” Ole Miss and Mississippi State have the “Egg Bowl,” and Washington and Washington State have the “Apple Cup.” With rivalry week ensuing last weekend, college football had fights break out postgame.
Yet, longtime Oklahoma football superstar quarterback Baker Mayfield believes the NCAA should not outlaw any banter from teams. Mayfield, one of the most decorated college football quarterbacks of all time, is known for planting an OU flag at midfield after a road win against Ohio State and always performing the “horns down” hand gesture during rivalry week. When asked by the media, Mayfield, now with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, spoke candidly on the situation that unfolded last weekend across many campuses, saying, “Let the boys play.” Many fans sided with Mayfield on the matter:
Well said Baker. Don’t lose a game if you don’t want a flag planted on your field
— Terps Recruiting (@TerpRecruiting) December 2, 2024
The funniest thing is watching the losers of rivalry games get all upset about the opposing team rubbing it in. If you’re that upset, channel that energy during the actual game. Don’t wait until afterwards to get all upset b/c you lost.
— Landon Beamon (@LandonBeamon11) December 2, 2024
BINGO. Baker Mayfield is a legend
— 𝒟𝑒𝓋🌹 (@HeismanDev) December 2, 2024
Absolutely
Him planting the Sooner flag is such a memorable moment in college sports history
Fight while the game is still going on
Be better than your rival when it matters
— Curious Sports Pulse Media (@sportspulse100) December 2, 2024
Baker started the trend…leave it be. You want to avoid them doing that then win the game.
— WickedAfterlife (@WAServers) December 2, 2024
Love this dude.
— MCDC (@huskers4liife) December 2, 2024
Bakers right
— 𝔹𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕟 🍊🎆 (@BlockedByBrink) December 2, 2024
Yep
— Bravo Charlie (@BravoCharlie222) December 2, 2024
Rare Baker W
— Red Raider Man🌵 (@redraiderman1) December 2, 2024
My QB1
— Nickmercs (@NICKMERCS) December 2, 2024
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