Texas A&M is rolling off a hot three-game winning streak with a game against new conference rival, University of South Carolina. After embarrassing Steve Spurrier and his then-ranked number 9 Gamecocks in Columbia, the Aggies brought football back home to College Station. And oh how beautiful it has been.

For many, this was the first real taste of college football, and what a first experience to have. The Aggies rolled over Lamar University 73-3 and more recently stomped Rice University 38-10. 

With all of the recent excitement, it’s easy to forget that not every football game is at home in the beautifully renovated Kyle Field. This weekend the Aggies will be travelling to Dallas to play the SMU Mustangs, leaving a rather large hole in the heart of every football fanatic.

For those who don’t know, there is a very real change in the atmosphere for away games. 

The first thing you’ll notice is the lack of traffic. This may be the only plus of having an away game. It’s a well known fact that you don’t leave your house until you’re ready to head to the stadium on game days. With the influx of former students into our small town, you can count on a minimum of thirty minutes tacked onto any errand you’re running. Not this weekend. Enjoy it while it lasts, they’ll be back before you know it. You’ll be able to get to Layne’s and back with very little traffic but you can always count on that thirty minute wait in the drive-thru. 

The second noticeable change is in the lack of tailgating. This doesn't mean people won’t be cooking out in their respective homes but there won’t be any extravagant tailgates (unless you’re just that dead set on getting rowdy). Campus will look oddly barren without the multitude of maroon-and-white pop-up tents littering the grounds. Try to have something planned with friends; it beats watching college ball all day alone. 

The third and final most discernible difference in away games is Northgate after the win. Let’s be honest, we all know that SMU doesn’t really stand a chance, but why should that hinder our celebrating? Without the draining exhaustion that comes with hours of tailgating and standing and yelling for three hours in Kyle Field, you’re going to have a lot more energy.  Northgate will explode with excited Aggies, which consequently means an elevated presence of law enforcement. There’s nothing wrong with celebrating a win, just be smart about it. A win over SMU will quickly be overshadowed by a DWI.

By an unfortunate and terrible twist of fate, Texas A&M has three away games in a row, not bringing football back to College Station until October 11 against SEC West opponent, Ole Miss. It’s going to be a long three weeks, Ags. All we can do is take it one week at a time and cheer for our team from the comfort of our couches and air-conditioned houses. For those of you not making the trek up to Dallas, you’ll be able to catch the game on ABC and ESPN 2, with kick-off set for 2:30 pm. For those of you fortunate enough to attend the game, travel safe. See you at Kyle Field in three weeks!