This is a guess, but I'd say A&M has had oil tycoons backing them (see endowment fund money referenced above). Bama's a bit of a puzzle, but I'd say it's likely because there is nothing else for the Bama alum to support in that state. No competing interest.
College football should implement a salary cap for athletic departments. The richest teams shouldn't always be the best. Buying a title is bs. It's why the NFL has one. It won't "hurt" cfb either. The NFL is doing better now money wise then it was then.
If the richest team wins the title every year Texas would be in Bama's spot today. Clemsom is also not a rich school.
I bet they got more in the athletic department than any group of 5 team. You took my statement to the extreme. Far too literally.