For Mike Eklo and Co., this has been their hottest start since 2016, yet the Aggies have been flag magnets. But Elko believes he’s cracked the code to clean it up. “Today, what we started was the Texas A&M football coaches’ Cabo fund. So, what’s going to happen now is, every time one of our players gets a penalty, they’re going to contribute to the coach’s Cabo fund. We’ll see if that works,” said the head coach. But looks like Elko needs to focus on the audience as well.

Mike Elko and the Texas A&M Aggies welcomed the Mississippi State Bulldogs to College Station with open arms. However, they sent Jeff Lebby’s boys back home with a 31-9 loss. And when everyone was locked in the game, two Aggies fans came under the Texas A&M Police’s radar for intoxication charges. On October 4, Texas A&M Police reported:

 “Public Intoxication X 2. Responded to report of intoxicated subject in men’s restroom near Section 334/335. Called sober friend. Sober friend arrived intoxicated. Arrested. #BTHOmississippistate.” Wait, wasn’t Elko’s program strict with the alcohol sales at Kyle Field? Texas A&M’s Gameday website clearly states the latest regulations.

It reads, “Kyle Field has expanded the availability of beer and wine to the general public this season in accordance with the Southeastern Conference’s updated policy regarding beer and wine sales at athletic venues. A mix of draft beer and wine will be available at concession areas and portable bars throughout the stadium, except at the 350 level on the east side which services the student section second deck.”

The program also has a concept called ‘Aggie Hospitality’, whose 250-strong members are responsible for recognizing fake IDs and over-intoxication within the jurisdiction. They even have a helpline number— 844-724-1212—to report any kind of unruly behavior.

On top of that, Texas A&M has strictly banned the sale of hard liquor. As per the regulations, for football, there has been a designated stop time for the sale and/or distribution of alcohol that must be enforced, which is at the end of the third quarter. But two fans refused to comply with the regulations during Texas A&M’s face-off against Mississippi State. Now, what was the hoopla all about? 

As per the reports by the Texas A&M police, late in the first half, they were called to the men’s restroom near sections 334/335 for an “intoxicated subject.” Hoping to sober things up, the man called a friend for help, but the friend’s arrival only made matters worse, as both left the stadium in handcuffs. Barely fifteen minutes had passed before another “public intoxication” report came in for the Texas A&M police. 

This time around, a fan was found slumped over a car. Lacking a sober friend or a phone to call one, they ended up sharing the same fate as the earlier duo. The Texas A&M police tweeted, “Public Intoxication. PA 100A. Subject slumped over a car. Denied drinking. Unable to contact a sober friend. Arrested. #BTHOmississippistate.” The list only got longer. Now, what might be the reason behind such over-indulgence?

Texas A&M’s offense found its spark after a flat start

It’s highly likely because of Texas A&M’s struggling offense. After a flat first half against Mississippi State, the Aggies flipped the switch in the second, rolling past the Bulldogs 31-9 under the Kyle Field lights. What began as a slog with their longest drive stalling on downs and their lone first-half score coming off a pick suddenly turned into a statement, even as Marcel Reed battled through his passing woes.

However, how the offense started slowly might be something that tested the fans’ patience, leaving them anxious and indulging (That again comes with a big probably). Reed completed just five of 12 passes for 71 yards, tossing one touchdown and one interception. The Aggies leaned heavily on the ground game, racking up 108 rushing yards, more than Mississippi State’s entire first-half total of 107. By game’s end, A&M’s offense found its groove, finishing with 479 total yards.

However, all throughout, the Aggies had a hard time with discipline. Despite recent efforts to curb penalties, even with a tongue-in-cheek “vacation fund” for coaches if they rack up too many, the Aggies were flagged seven times in the first half alone, more than double the Bulldogs’ three.

Texas A&M’s defense, too, was short-handed. The latest SEC availability report downgraded Scooby Williams and Bryce Anderson from “questionable” to “out” for the Mississippi State clash. Both have been sidelined since mid-Notre Dame. Despite optimism for a return this week, that comeback will have to wait. With anticipation running high, some fans decided to celebrate early, and a little too hard.