Texas took on Washington in the Sugar Bowl, the second semifinal of the College Football Playoff. At halftime of the game, several players were honored. One of those players was an Oklahoma star, who didn’t miss the chance to create a memorable moment.
Ethan Downs, a junior defensive lineman on the Sooners, was part of the Allstate AFCA Good Works team, which honors players for their community service. Most of the 23-man team was on the Caesars Superdome field at halftime of the Sugar Bowl. For the most part, the players had their trophies displayed while posing for the photo op with Allstate executive Troy Hawkes.
Only, Downs didn’t just have the trophy on display. He did, have the trophy in one hand. His other hand, though, was in the air, displaying Texas’ famed “Hook ‘Em Horns,” only with the horns down.
Oklahoma DE Ethan Downs was honored as part of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team at halftime of the Sugar Bowl.
He sent a message to Texas. pic.twitter.com/2mOxMFSQRN
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) January 2, 2024
College football fans appreciated Downs’ commitment to the Red River Rivalry.
Ethan Downs just became an Oklahoma legend 😂💀 pic.twitter.com/dBGKTyhRnn
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) January 2, 2024
Ethan Downs, 2024 Player Hater of the Year Nominee https://t.co/lkwSMNLMAJ
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) January 2, 2024
Ethan Downs throwing “Horns down” after being honored by the Allstate Good Works Team. #BOOMER pic.twitter.com/zErmosshbr
— Tattoo Baker 🎥✨ (@QB1TATT00) January 2, 2024
Even when receiving a community service award, Oklahoma's Ethan Downs let 'em know😂 pic.twitter.com/UNRKajZauf
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 2, 2024
Ethan Downs letting them know 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/OhGdRfrTBR
— Joe Castiglione Jr. (@JoeCJr29) January 2, 2024
Ethan Downs did a “Horns Down” at a Texas CFP game and did this ⬇️ in the same year
Legend pic.twitter.com/hpvWaa9Nj0 https://t.co/4rBDo6vKUj
— Josh Callaway (@JoshMCallaway) January 2, 2024
Oklahoma handed Texas its only loss on the season, a 34-30 thriller. Downs was a big part of that, recording three solo tackles and two sacks in the game.
Downs has already announced that he’ll return to Oklahoma for the 2024 season. And if he wasn’t already on the radar of the Longhorns and their fans, it’s safe to say that he is now.
[Photo Credit: ESPN]
