Bevo to miss River River Showdown with life-threatening illness

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- The University of Texas says longhorn steer mascot Bevo XIV has a "life-threatening condition" and won't travel to Dallas for the team's rivalry game Saturday against No. 10 Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl.

The Silver Spurs organization that takes care of the mascot did not detail Bevo's illness Wednesday and said his condition was still being explored by veterinarians.

Bevo XIV has been the school mascot since 2004. The steer weighs 2,100 pounds and has a horn span of 82 inches.

Texas is 1-4 under second-year coach Charlie Strong, the Longhorns' worst start since 1956.