On second examination, I think you're right--the yellow flags are actually the smaller "silks" in this picture. They're certainly twirling them about. The orange and white flags near the opposite sideline are the "Big Flags". Correct basic concept; misinterpretation by me of the relative sizes of the flags in the photograph. My bad.I'm pretty sure you've got this backward. The yellow ones look bigger in this photo because they're closer. But they're the "Silks".
"Big Flag", well, they carry big flags. So big they use a carrying belt, basically a harness/holster the flag goes into. As such, they can't spin them. They just...kinda stand there, and sometimes slowly walk around or sway the flags back and forth. They're more similar to a military colorguard.
"Silks" are smaller, lighter flags that can be spun and tossed, and you can run/dance while holding one. You can see the yellow flags in the middle of what looks like a drop spin in the photo. And yes, they're usually made of silk (some of the Big Flags are nylon, like a typical outdoor flag).
As for the pregame show, I think all flag people are doing something more similar to "Big Flag", whether they're in the Silks or Big Flag section for halftime. I've never seen anyone spinning a Big 12 flag.
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