BYU and Houston to Wear Patriotic Helmets Thursday Night, Will Honor Victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 Attacks
ByThe BYU Cougars and Houston Cougars plan to wear patriotic helmets in their Thursday night football game in remembrance of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.
Brigham Young University (BYU) unveiled the helmets, which feature their team logo set against the American Flag, in a press release Wednesday. The University of Houston revealed their helmet, which has the flag set in their logo, in the same release.
On the back of BYU's helmets will be a pentagonal emblem with a depiction of the Twin Towers laid over the stars and stripes, with the message, "9/11 Never Forget."
According to BYU's release, both football teams will spread a 100-yard flag over the field while Westward the Tide, a local Provo band, performs the National Anthem. BYU and Houston are also expected to pay their own tributes to the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
The game is set to start at 9 p.m. ET and ESPN will air the game, with their SkyCam up for free online streaming via WatchESPN. The first 15,000 fans to show up at LaVell Edwards Stadium will also receive miniature American flags.
The game is BYU's home opener and their first two road wins against Connecticut and Texas have landed the team on the AP's Top 25 ranking in the bottom slot.
"We're looking forward to getting on a plane tomorrow and flying to Provo. It's going to be a big challenge for our program and one we're looking forward to," Houston head football coach Tony Levine said in a press conference. "Both teams have a little bit of familiarity with one another having played last year at Reliant Stadium. It'll be a good opportunity for exposure for our program, nationally televised game, mid-week on ESPN, and our student-athletes are looking forward to it. It's going to be a great challenge."