Last year, I attended the Iron Bowl. Throughout the day I was subjected to classless heckle and chants that I soaked in, as I enjoyed the atmosphere of a rivalry game. That night after the game, I was subject to even more ridicule and disrespect after the game. Full grown men and elderly women were going out of their way to put six of their fingers in my face. 

I've never been more proud to be a citizen of this great state.

At some point that night, I realized that it is our love for the game and our teams that sets us apart and brings us together. Our daily inhibitions that keep our eyes straight ahead on highways or attention placed safely in our shopping carts at the grocery store vanish and for a few Saturdays in the fall, we become a passionate people. Truly Beautiful.

Perhaps the fact that I've been attending school here in Maryland for the last four football seasons, and have been exposed (whether I liked it or not) to Div-1 Independent (no conference) football, I have found new appreciation for the SEC and all college football throughout the Heart of Dixie.

Bask in this time of the year. Whether it's "Roll Tide Roll" or War Damn Eagle", no matter if you plan on holding up 7 fingers and welcoming a coach back into good graces, or holding up 1 finger and know that it has more to do with a ranking than a streak, just enjoy everything about our culture. 

For the next two weeks, let the sports writers write their stories about great games of the past, let the staticians compile meaningless facts, and let Finebaum take calls from manic fans on his show. Soak it in folks, this is as good as it gets...