It was reported yesterday that Auburn fans would be bringing their own cowbells to Starkville this weekend for the matchup between the No. 2 Tigers and No. 3 Bulldogs.

A lot has been made about distinguishing Mississippi State cowbells from Auburn cowbells. Mississippi State director of athletics Scott Stricklin sent a letter to fans on Wednesday regarding the proper times to clang cowbells.

Here’s an excerpt:

“Why anyone who professes love for this university would ring their cowbell when they’ve been told not to do so is beyond me. It’s selfish and disrespectful, two things Mississippi State does NOT represent. When you ring at times not allowed, you are telling Mark Keenum, Dan Mullen, myself and thousands of Bulldogs who have worked hard to legitimize this great tradition at our games that you don’t appreciate their efforts, and that you’re willing to risk having cowbells removed from Davis Wade Stadium altogether in the future.

A vast majority of our fans follow the rules governing artificial noisemakers (which says they can be rung except when the center is over the football). To those of you who do so, thanks. If you see someone disregarding the rules, do me a favor and ask them to stop. If we continue having this issue, security will be deployed to either remove offending cowbells, or the individuals who are ringing irresponsibly, from the stadium.”

You’ve been warned, Auburn fans.