It started out at Mississippi State with a broadcasting legend, Jack Cristil, "The Voice of Mississippi State." In what would be the first of many delicious tailgates, we joined the festivities at "The Junction" to begin a tradition that is similar to Ole' Miss's Grove. And even though the evening ended with a South Carolina victory, we shook our cowbells like Mississippi State had just won the title.

Ever tailgated on a boat? Well we have. That was at our next stop: Tennessee's Neyland Stadium. The Vol Navy welcomed us aboard for some pre-game "sailgating" and songs of the "Rocky Top." The Tennessee victory was celebrated that Sunday with the nation's largest Labor Day Fireworks Display. 4th of July? In September? Only in the SEC.

We watched Coached Spurrier's radio show and met USC's only Heisman winner, George Rogers, before adventuring into a Cockaboose to experience South Carolina's unique pre-game rituals. Glenn remembers going to the top of the press box at Williams Brice Stadium, looking out for miles each way, and seeing nothing but Gamecocks fans tailgating and getting ready for the game. It was a quite a scene.

We hung with Aubie, Auburn's lively mascot, and watched the Tigers beat the Tigers (Auburn vs LSU) in one of the best 7-3 games you'll see. And how about calling the Hogs and seeing overtime in Fayetteville when the Razorbacks knocked off Alabama. Who knew they would get to Auburn a few weeks later?

Adam joined the road trippers three weeks ago and was initialized into the Mission with Auburn at South Carolina. Thursday night. Fans thinking upset. He immediately saw the football passion of the Southeastern Conference when the fans at Williams Brice put everything they had behind their Gamecocks, nearly getting to see Spurrier's squad knock off the number two team in the country. They fell short, but left happy knowing their team could compete with the best.

Since then, we've eaten dishes we've never even seen before: crawfish casserole; jambalaya; alligator; and deer, for example. We've met fans who have woken up before the sun rises to start the tailgate. We've watched a man have a bulldog painted on his head. We've taken a ride on a tank with the Big Orange Army. We've met a star recruit, two more Heisman Trophy winners, and we saw the amazing story of the Desire Street Academy.

We've heard the word "tradition" about 100 times when we've asked people about what makes the SEC special. On the job, we've all gotten to see the tradition for ourselves, and it has been great.

And let's not forget about the other games. To name a few...LSU's domination of Mississippi St. Tennessee's upset in Georgia. Auburn beating the Gators. Stadiums erupting and players exhibiting a passion that makes college football special.

The best part of the job is seeing, through the eyes of others, why football is so important. At the end of the day, it's just a game. It's just 11-on-11 one day a week. But it's a game that brings communities together, creates friendships, creates rivalries, and creates respect. It's been great to see the importance of football in the Southeast. And we've still got half the season left.