Oklahoma’s SEC Entrance Gaffe: A Lingering Comedy of Errors
Oklahoma's impressive 2023 regular season saw the team ending with a respectable ranking of #15. As they ventured into the 2024 season with a preseason ranking of #16, football enthusiasts anticipated impressive performances. However, a recent incident during their visit to Auburn has left fans shaking their heads in disbelief.
The Auburn Tradition
For decades, Auburn University has maintained a unique pre-game ritual that sets the stage for their home football games. Auburn cheerleaders, alongside visiting teams, each have established paths that ensure a smooth and respectful entrance. The visiting team typically runs around the side of the stadium, while Auburn cheerleaders execute consecutive somersaults along a specific route.
The Oklahoma Debacle
On September 28, 2024, Oklahoma football faced a stark contrast to past expectations. Despite the procession's familiarity with the stadium, the Sooners' failure to follow the protocol led to a comical and unfortunate encounter. The tragedy unfolded when, in their ignorance, Oklahoma football players attempted to run through the tumbled evergreen pathway established by Auburn cheerleaders.
Blue represents the traditional route for all away teams, running from the visitors tunnel towards the 50-yard-line. However, on this fateful day, the crimson-colored Oklahoma players inexplicably chose the red pathway. This misstep drew immediate attention and subsequent ridicule from both locals and online media.
Consequences and Rumors
Vacating the field, Oklahoma’s defensive back, Makari Vickers, and an incoming Auburn cheerleader collided. Vickers stumbled, and the cheerleader narrowly avoided several players before making contact with Vickers, causing him to fall heavily. Auburn insiders claim that this incident has not occurred since the tradition began more than half a century ago.
Some speculate that Oklahoma may have mistakenly believed they were on the field behind the Sooner Schooner, a beloved tradition at Oklahoma football games. Regardless, this gaffe underlines a significant lack of understanding and respect for SEC traditions.
Media and Public Reaction
Mention of the incident spread quickly through online platforms, leading to various reactions. Notably, Jack Baer of Yahoo Sports offered a misinformed comment suggesting that Auburn’s cheerleader should not have attempted to 'backflip his way through the entire Oklahoma roster.' This misguided perspective highlights a stark lack of knowledge about SEC football culture and traditions. In actuality, this is an established and accepted part of Auburn's game-day traditions.
The Video Evidence
For those interested in reliving the event, a link to the video on X is provided. It showcases the collision and highlights the divide between tradition and unfamiliarity.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for all teams entering new conference settings. Understanding and respecting local traditions not only enhances the game-day experience but also fosters better interactions with host fans.