A bull versus a bulldog — it’s not exactly a fair fight. But it’s one ESPN viewers were almost treated to on Tuesday night, when Bevo, the University of Texas’ 1,600 pound steer mascot, charged and nearly took out Uga, the University of Georgia’s 60-pound British bulldog mascot.
About an hour before the two teams kicked off their Sugar Bowl matchup, the universities thought it’d be smart for the two beloved animals to have a “pregame meeting.” Instead, Bevo wrestled free of his handlers and holding area and head straight for Uga.
“Oh my lord! Ohhhhh” yelled one ESPN announcer as Uga was yanked away from Bevo’s charge.
You can check out the near-tragedy below:
LOOK OUT, UGA! pic.twitter.com/DAIB0teajU
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 2, 2019
And here’s a longer version, where you can watch Bevo needing four Texas cowboys to be corralled back into his staging area.
Afterwards, John Baker, who owns the ranch where Bevo was bred, told ESPN the steer is “as docile as a lamb” and “that’s the first time he’s done that this year.” (Note, this occurred on the first day of the year).
The bad blood between Bevo and Uga appears to be a new development; earlier in the week, the two looked perfectly calm right next to each other:
Pals #HornsInNOLA #SugarBowl pic.twitter.com/K7YJ7djv4F
— BEVO XV (@TexasMascot) December 31, 2018
Bevo’s charge ended up being symbolic of how the game played out, with No. 15 Texas taking down No. 5 Georgia 28-21.
Watch Texas Longhorns Steer Charge Uga the Bulldog Before Sugar Bowl Game (Video)