Today begins SEC media days.  That may not mean much to many people, but if you have or do live in the South then this is big.  We're getting closer.  SEC football brings the whole package.  The biggest difference between the SEC and other conferences that I've seen is the passion of the people in the states of the teams.  Sure there are passionate Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Miami, Florida State, USC, and many other fans of other schools in other conferences.  However, the state of Florida doesn't shut down for Hurricane games.  Neither does California for USC games, Pennsylvania for Penn State nor Indiana for Notre Dame.  However, the SEC fans do it and do it right.   Anyone who has ever been to Arkansas, Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, or Florida during football weekends knows exactly what I'm talking about. 

For you folks that want to try the SEC for the first time, please use this as a guide to a Fall that you will never forget:

1)  Watch the games.  You've got to watch the games.  The highlights just don't give you the same effect.  Here's what to watch each week:

Sept. 2 - Southern California @ Arkansas - Matchup of potentially the nations' most improved team (Arkansas) and its most unrecognizable recognizable team.  USC's new at almost every skill position.  Hint:  find the largest screen possible for this one

Sept. 9 - Georgia @ South Carolina - Spurrier is always entertaining t.v.  Add Mark Richt's perennial top ten bunch and you've got what instant classics are made of.

Sept. 16 - LSU @ Auburn - Called the tobacco bowl in some small circles (Tuberville's 4th quarter celebration cigar is the reason), this is the pre-SEC West championship game.  These are two of the most talented teams in the country.  Kenny Irons vs. JaMarcus Russell should be an early Heisman candidate machup.   Tennessee vs. Florida is also on this day.  It's a great day for football.  LET'S PLAY TWO!

Sept. 23 - Alabama @ Arkansas - New Arkansas offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn will find out quickly if his prolific high school offense translates into major division one sucess in this one.  Darren McFaddin, Felix Jones, and Peyton Hillis comprise the nations most balanced and underrated backfield.  Can they push through the mighty Crimson Tide?

Sept. 30 - Alabama @ Florida - 'Bama's backend of a brutal road doubleheader rolls into Gainesville.  Chris Leak + Year 2 of Urban Meyer may = disappointing start to 2006 for the TIde.

Oct. 7 - Arkansas @ Auburn, LSU @ Florida, Tennessee @ Georgia - Officially named "Whatever floats your boat" week in the SEC.

Oct. 14 - Florida @ Auburn - Possible SEC championship game preview.  Auburn gets another tough conference game in the friendly confines of Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Oct. 21 - Alabama @ Tennessee - Matchup filled with much more hatred than most national fans know about.  Fulmer has had some less than flattering comments about the Tide in the past.  Fulmer is affectionately known as "Elmer Fudd" in some areas of Alabama.  Those are the religious areas!   Fresno State @ LSU would also be a compelling non-conference game this week as well.

Oct. 28 - Georgia vs. Florida @ Jacksonville - "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party"  That says it all doesn't it?

Nov. 4 - LSU @ Tennessee - Desperate to catch Florida in the eastern standings, Tennessee will be primed to pull off the upset at home.

Nov. 11 - South Carolina @ Florida - Spurrier Bowl take two! Alabama @ LSU and Georgia @ Auburn are also tasty little treats this weekend.  Also, the annual "Somebody's gotta win" bowl, Vanderbilt @ Kentucky.

Nov. 18 - Tennessee @ Vanderbilt, Auburn @ Alabama, Arkansas @ Mississippi State, Mississippi @ LSU - Border wars.  In-state rivalries, the Iron Bowl, I LOVE THIS CONFERENCE!

Nov. 25 - LSU @ Arkansas, Florida @ Florida State, Georgia Tech @ Georgia, Kentucky @ Tennessee, Mississippi @ Mississippi State, South Carolina @ Clemson.  A conference this great and this passionate cannot possibly settle all of its battles and rivalries in just one week.  Were playing for a Golden Boot, state pride, and a Beer Barrell among other things this week!

Dec. 2 - SEC Championship Game - College football's true championship game.  Finding the best team in the best conference always gets you closer to finding a true champion. 

Whew!  That should keep you busy this fall!  Come back soon for players and teams to watch.