Postscripts: Horns Down Drama, Big 12 Tournament Bracket Release
What’s going on in the Big 12 and beyond? I expand and explain every Sunday in Postscripts at Heartland College Sports, your home for independent Big 12 coverage.
This week, we’re diving into Horns Down (again), a plea for kids to stay in school and that Big 12 basketball tournament schedule looks like so much fun.
Horns Down, Again
Just when you think we’re safe from a Horns Down controversy, well, here’s Rodney Terry.
The Texas men’s basketball coach took exception to UCF’s players using the Horns Down after the Longhorns’ 77-11 loss to the Knights on Wednesday. First, UCF didn’t direct its celebration at any Longhorns or at Terry. The Knights did it amongst themselves, which if I understand Big 12 rules is not a problem.
Here’s the video for context.
But Terry had an issue with it once UCF broke their huddle and came to the handshake line. Terry called them “classless” to their face and told them “Don’t do that s$#@” to their face. There was little reaction from the UCF players.
In doing that he came off as the “classless one.” And his postgame comments I felt were a little ridiculous.
He made it sound like it was his job to coach both teams, which it isn’t. It’s up to UCF coach Johnny Dawkins who, by the way, was up at the front of the handshake line when this happened and had no idea what happened until postgame.
I found it interesting that I couldn’t find anyone who offered any vociferous defense of Terry’s actions on Wednesday. I think swearing at your opponent’s players to their faces is rather defenseless.
Oh, and after Texas beat Baylor on Saturday, guess who was celebrating like they just won a title? Terry and his players.
You know what? I have no issues with that celebration. That was a big, much-needed win, over Baylor. Go celebrate. But it all looked pretty hypocritical in context.
Terry apologized for what happened after Wednesday’s game. Wonder if that apology would have been there if Texas had lost to Baylor?
But, of course, all of this brought us more great Horns Down content. Here’s Houston coach Kelvin Sampson when asked about Horns Down earlier this week (he used to coach at Oklahoma).
And here’s a Baylor fan at Saturday’s game with Texas.
A Kansas fan account put together a montage (note that’s Bill Self probably calling a play).
Look, I’ve lived in Texas most of my life and I grew up a Texas fan. Horns Down is a recent thing. It’s not some ingrained generational thing among Oklahoma and Texas A&M fans that gets passed down. I’m actually unclear on where it started.
I don’t find it offensive at all for other programs to turn the Horns Down. Players and fans do tons of things to try and get under the skin of the Longhorns. That’s part of the deal. When you are that kind of program, one of the signature programs in all of college sports, you’re the target and you have to deal with that.
I felt football coach Steve Sarkisian dealt with it brilliantly last season. His attitude was to tell his players basically, “You know it’s coming. Don’t react to it. Use it as fuel.” And they did.
I don’t know what Terry is telling his players but, well, actions are louder than words. And while he’s apologized, he managed to embarrass himself regardless.
I mean, have you, as Texas fans, ever thought about just not reacting to it? Just letting it go? Just turning the other cheek? I mean I get that you find it offensive (though in my mind I really don’t understand what’s “offensive” about it?). But isn’t the play here to just not react to it? Eventually, your opponents will get sick of trying to get under your skin and stop using it. I mean, probably not Oklahoma and Texas A&M. But most of them.
Instead, Texas’ future SEC rivals are taking notes. They know what will get under the skin of the men’s basketball coach. And if you think Big 12 fans have been brutal to Texas on its way out the door, well, the SEC has raised that sort of brutality to an art form.
It’s not Terry’s job to police the other team. It’s his job to coach his team. And, honestly? His team could use a little attention, even after that big win.
Kids, Stay in School
Earlier this week we found out that Miami (FL) tight end Cam McCormick had been granted a ninth year of eligibility to play college football. I mean, that’s nuts right?
Between injuries and COVID waivers, McCormick will be back on the field in 2024. Then, that should be it.
Look, it’s ridiculous but I’m never going to criticize someone who wants to stay in school longer, no matter the reason. I did my undergrad in four years. Had I known then what I know now, I would have stretched it out another year or two.
What they don’t tell you when you’re in college is that once it’s done, it’s done. You have to be an adult. There’s no going back to that part of your life, no matter how much you think you can.
So, Cam, stay in school. Stay as long as you can. You too, Oklahoma State quarterback Alan Bowman. Enjoy every minute of it. Soak it in. Don’t let a stone go unturned on that part of your life.
The ‘Mini March Madness’ Bracket Is In
The Big 12 made a big deal out of unveiling the bracket for the men’s basketball tournament in Kansas City. Pssst … the format has been out there for a few weeks if you knew how to search for it.
But, as a formality, here’s our story on the bracket.
It will overlap with the end of the women’s tournament, as the championship game will take place after the first two men’s games that Tuesday at T-Mobile.
It should be a great 10 days for the men and the women. Pete and I have worked it out. I’ll be getting there the Friday of the women’s tournament and then I’ll be there for the duration.
Given how the Big 12 is shaping up, it may be a mini-March Madness. It may be the best Big 12 Tournament ever. And, it will be the only 14-team tournament. Next year, the league expands to 16.
Man I don’t have enough PTO at my day job for that.
Boomer Sooner Again
No real shock but the Oklahoma softball team is predicted to win the Big 12 again.
Our Bryan Clinton will be all over softball this season. But OU’s run has been incredible. It will be the Sooners’ 12th straight year as the Big 12 favorite and they hare the three-time defending national champions.
You talk about a single team in one sport that can go into the SEC and win right away? It’s probably Sooner softball.
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
