January 1, 2019, the Big 12 runner-up and 15th-ranked Texas Longhorns made their way to New Orleans to face a No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs team that was in the early years of its rise under Kirby Smart.
For the Bulldogs, it was a disappointing post-season fate, after falling to Alabama in the SEC Championship game in Atlanta and missing the College Football Playoff.
For the Longhorns, it was a chance to prove that they were on the rise, after their first 10-win season in almost a decade.
Suffice it to say, the game was far from a disappointment – but not because of the outcome.
The Longhorns went on to win the game 28-21. Texas totaled 355 yards of total offense to just 284 from the Bulldogs, led by 241 yards of total offense and three rushing touchdowns from QB Sam Ehlinger.
It was what came during and after the game, that will make this particular matchup live forever in infamy.
First and foremost, of course, is arguably one of the most iconic mascot moments in a college football game we have seen, maybe ever.
An hour before kick-off, someone believed it would be a good idea to arrange a meeting between Uga, the team’s live bulldog, and Bevo – a 1,700-pound longhorn steer. It was supposed to be a historic moment. A rare moment that warmed the hearts of college football fans and animal lovers everywhere.
