"If only Aggie fans would throw bottles on the field": Fans give up on Texas game referees for controversial overturned calls 

The situation is already getting controversial between Texas and Texas A&M on Saturday at Kyle Field following some overturned calls from the officials. The two are rekindling their rivalry after more than a decade with a place in the SEC championship game on the line.

The Longhorns safety Andrew Mukuba was initially flagged for targeting late in the second quarter after a hit on Jabre Barber. However, the call was overturned upon review, a decision that drew the ire of the Aggies sideline and thousands of fans at the stadium.

After officials reviewed Mukuba's hit and decided to overturn the targeting call, allowing him to stay in the game, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko was visibly furious. He stormed onto the field to confront the officials, demanding an explanation for the controversial decision.

That was one of several calls overturned by the officials in favor of Texas in the first half.

The decisions of the officials immediately drew the attention of fans online with many criticizing the decision. Here’s a look at some of the reactions online:

"If only the Aggie fans would throw bottles on the field," a fan said, referencing the incident of Texas fans throwing bottles against Georgia after an overturned call.

"Just get rid of the rule if that's not targeting," one fan said.

"1000%. 3 overturned calls in t.u.’s favor in the first half. Unbelievable," another fan said.

Other reactions to the call online:

"Seems pretty straightforward targeting to me. Crown of the helmet to the opponent’s head," a fan wrote.

"In not so shocking fashion, the call is reversed and Texas' Andrew Mukuba is not called for targeting," another fan wrote.

"Textbook targeting and of course Texas gets away with it. Hilarious how bad these refs are cheating for their new best friends," another fan wrote.

Texas has the edge at halftime amid overturned calls

Texas made a strong statement in the highly anticipated return of their rivalry with Texas A&M, which had been on hold for 13 years due to conference realignment. The Longhorns capitalized on their firepower building a commanding 17-0 lead by halftime.

Both of Texas' touchdowns have come from the referees overturning calls upon replay review.

The Longhorns have seen their two big-name quarterbacks score a touchdown in the game, once again showcasing their importance to the team. Arch Manning rushed for a 15-yard touchdown to open the scoring while Quinn Ewers threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Jaydon Blue.

Ewers once again guided the Longhorns deep into Texas A&M territory on their next drive, but they were forced to settle for a 28-yard field goal from Bert Auburn. The kicker’s other attempt from 48 yards on the final play of the half fell short, keeping the score 17-0 at halftime.

Texas A&M will look to bounce back in the second half in a bid to secure a place in the SEC championship game. Texas holds the advantage in the all-time series with a record of 76-37-5, including a 25-22-2 mark in games played in College Station.