Texas mascot BEVO XIV won't travel to Dallas for OU game

A familiar presence won't be on the sidelines as the Texas Longhorns take on the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl this weekend, as mascot BEVO XIV won't make the trip due to a life-threatening illness.

"BEVO is a fighter, a symbol of strength and who fans across the world care deeply about. We are carefully monitoring BEVO's condition at this time and will update the public as we find out more about his condition. The safety and well being of BEVO XIV is always our primary concern, and therefore he will not be attending the game on Saturday," said Ricky Brennes, the Executive Director of the Silver Spurs Alumni Association, in a statement released by the school on Wednesday.

BEVO XIV has been a mainstay on the Texas sideilne since 2004, during which time the Horns have posted a 106-41 record.