The football game was not the only center of attention at Sam Houston State University's Elliot T. Bowers Stadium on Wednesday night.
Fans embraced the Halloween spirit as the Bearkats welcomed the UTEP Miners, but one fan took it a step farther by wearing an inflatable costume in the shape of a penis.
Unamused by the stunt, school officials sent a stadium staff member to remove the fan from the stands. A spokesperson from Sam Houston State told TMZ that the fan could have remained in the stadium if he took off his costume.
'It is our understanding that stadium staff worked with CSC, the contracted security service, to give the individual the option to take the costume off or leave the stadium,' the spokesperson said.
'University officers did not interact with this person. We have no further information to provide at this time.'
Sam Houston State is up 21-10 & looking to win their first game of the year. The fans, however, are focused on something else atm… pic.twitter.com/dUQygWcHRQ
— College Football Campus Tour (@CFBcampustour) October 26, 2023
A Sam Houston spokesperson told TMZ that the fan could have stayed without the costume
Meanwhile, on the field, Buzz Flabiano made a 32-yard field goal with four seconds remaining to help UTEP beat Sam Houston 37-34.
UTEP trailed 27-13 with 6:14 left in the third quarter before scoring 21 straight points to take a 34-27 lead on Kevin Hurley's short touchdown run following James Neal's interception return to the 1-yard line.
UTEP started its final drive with 1:02 left near midfield. Cade McConnell threw a deep pass to Jeremiah Ballard for a 37-yard gain on first down and Deion Hankins ran for 4 yards before UTEP elected to attempt a field goal on second down. After a Sam Houston timeout, Flabiano made his third field goal of the game.
McConnell was 12 of 22 for 206 yards with one touchdown and one interception for UTEP (3-6, 2-3 Conference USA). Hankins carried it 15 times for 117 yards and a touchdown. Flabiano also drilled a 43-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to get within 21-13.
While the fan faced the consequences for his actions, the Bearkats took their fifth loss and moved to an 0-5 record this season.
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