The Rice Marching Owl Band (MOB), which describes itself as the university’s “infamously irreverent non-marching marching band,” took a shot at Baylor’s LGBTQ stance Saturday with its esoteric halftime show.
The band formed the outline of a Bear, performed a Star Wars-like lightsaber battle, then ended its routine by spelling out the word “Pride” while students holding rainbow flags joined in and the band played "YMCA" by the Village People. Baylor has been in the news this year for its denial of a charter for LGBTQ student groups, as it “affirms the biblical understanding of sexuality,” according to an official university statement.
It’s hardly the first time the band has poked fun at its in-state rivals. Last weekend when Rice played Texas, the MOB spelled out “2.89,” a reference to UT’s team grade point average. In Baylor’s last trip to Houston in 2016, the band formed the words “Title IX” following the fallout from the school’s sexual assault scandal.
Watch the video below and read the band's script below and read more here about the halftime performance from Brittany Britto and Glynn A. Hill of the Houston Chronicle.
The Rice band (@ricemob) taking a shot at Baylor’s LGBTQ policies in its halftime performance vs. the Bears.
— Glynn Hill (@RiceChron) September 22, 2019
They spelled “Pride” at the end. pic.twitter.com/C34LxxyIdM
Here's the full script of our show:#BUForAll #GoOwls pic.twitter.com/fuzMFSr70I
— The MOB / Rice Bands (@ricemob) September 22, 2019
Baylor football vs. Rice: Sept. 21, 2019
Associated Press photos
Baylor quarterback Charlie Brewer (12) passes the ball as Rice linebacker Blaze Alldredge (55) closes in during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Rice linebacker Treshawn Chamberlain, safety Naeem Smith and defensive lineman Ikenna Enechukwu, from left, chase Baylor running back Trestan Ebner during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Baylor running back JaMycal Hasty (6) breaks past the tackle attempt by Rice cornerback Andrew Bird (15) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Baylor receiver Tyquan Thornton (back) and quarterback Charlie Brewer (right) celebrate with Chris Platt after his touchdown during the first half.
Baylor running back JaMycal Hasty, right, is caught by Rice defensive end Kenneth Orji (10) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Rice running back Aston Walter (1) breaks the tackle attempt by Baylor cornerback Jameson Houston (11) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Rice quarterback Tom Stewart makes it past Baylor cornerback Brandon White, right, as he scores on a keeper during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Baylor safety Christian Morgan and cornerback Jameson Houston (11) miss the tackle attempt on Rice tight end Jordan Myers (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Rice defensive back Tyrae Thornton (18) misses the interception on a pass intended for Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Baylor wide receiver R.J. Sneed, left, is tackled by Rice defensive end Cameron Valentine, middle, and defensive back Prudy Calderon, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Baylor quarterback Charlie Brewer put up strong numbers as he hit 20 of 27 passes for 303 yards and touchdown while rushing for 58 yards and a score. Blocking are linemen Jake Fruhmorgen (right), stopping Rice's Elijah Garcia, and Prince Pines (left).
Baylor quarterback Charlie Brewer, middle, is sacked by Rice linebacker Blaze Alldredge (55) and linebacker Treshawn Chamberlain, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Rice quarterback Wiley Green (5) pitches out to wide receiver Cameron Montgomery (8) as Baylor defensive tackles Bravvion Roy, left, and defensive tackle James Lynch close in during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Rice running back Charlie Booker, left, blocks Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch (93) as quarterback Tom Stewart (14) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Baylor wide receiver Chris Platt outruns safety Naeem Smith for a touchdown during the first half against Rice.
Baylor running back JaMycal Hasty, middle, makes a gain between Rice defensive end Anthony Ekpe, left, and linebacker Antonio Montero (1) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Baylor wide receiver Josh Fleeks (21) avoids the tackle attempt by Rice defensive back Isaiah Richardson (23) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
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Virtue signaling is always silly, if not ugly in its hypocrisy.
“They parade their sin as Sodom.”
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