Ellington

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — The FBI is looking into an anonymous threat made against trees and shrubs in the Grove at the University of Mississippi.

The Grove is a popular spot on the Oxford campus for pre-game and postgame tailgating. The Ole Miss football team also walks through the Grove on way to the stadium.

UM Police Chief Calvin Sellers says in a news release the letter was given over to the FBI on Wednesday. He says law enforcement officers are encouraging fans to report suspicious behavior.

No. 18 Ole Miss (8-3, 4-3 SEC) hosts No. 4 Mississippi State (10-1, 6-1 SEC) this Saturday in the Egg Bowl

Sellers said resources have been added to address fan safety inside and outside the stadium.

"This longtime football rivalry has separated families and friends for generations, but while it's spirited, our attention has been focused mostly on the football field," Sellers said in the statement.

"We encourage everyone to remember that this is a game, after all, not a time for hate.

"We are hopeful that passions have not escalated to the point that someone is prepared to do damage to a landmark for which all Mississippians take pride," Sellers said.

The note released the university reads: "What's going to happen to y'all on the field Saturday Aint nothing compared to what's going to happen on your beautiful campus. You won't be one of the most pretty campus's Next year. A lot of shrubs and trees are going to die; especially in the grove. Can't stop us." (SIGNED) "Hail State go to hell TSUN"

"TSUN" is an acronym Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen made popular among Bulldog fans, referencing Ole Miss as "The School Up North."