Nobody has better traditions than the SEC. SDS is happy to add to it with our sixth annual countdown to kickoff poem.

‘Twas a month before football, and all through the South,
Rabid fans everywhere were running their mouth.
King SEC reclaimed his crown in the desert with flair,
And thanks to Old Saint Nick (Saban), all eyes were turned there.

But a new challenge awaits after Jim Harbaugh passed through with a grin,
Dishing out satellite-camp offers asking top talent, “Are you in?”
SEC coaches scrambled to adjust.
Now many have said: Evolve or bust!

Throughout the South, cupboards are stocked on campuses with care,
With hopes that new trophies will soon be there.
LSU? Tennessee? Both are dreaming large.
But don’t be surprised to see ‘Bama and Florida lead the Atlanta charge.

Many big names prepare to cause a racket,
Perhaps none more so than Leonard Fournette, who could shed a straitjacket.
Don’t forget about a healthy Nick Chubb either,
Or Jalen Hurd or Ralph Webb – talk about fast tires!

But when discussing QBs, there are more doubts than guarantees,
Outside Ole Miss’ Chad Kelly, many programs have asked, “Work out, please?”
Jake Coker, Dak Prescott, Brandon Allen and more are gone,
Leaving plenty throughout SEC Land to wonder, “What the heck will go on?”

Fear not, LSU, Brandon Harris has belief!
But some of his comments should make Tigers fans say, “Good grief!”
Up in Knoxville, Joshua Dobbs has Rocky Top full of dreams,
But a 12th straight loss to the Gators would make Vols Nation scream!

Thank goodness this awful offseason almost is done,
Because so many headlines have been no fun.
From ‘Bama to Ole Miss and Mississippi State too,
Embarrassments and controversies make you say, “Pee-ew!”

At least we saw Finebaum go full-on WWE.
How did Saban not shove a shiv in Pawl’s knee?
Other than that spat, SEC Media Days were boring.
Quick, someone stop Steve Spurrier from snoring!

The Head Ball Coach’s old stomping grounds has a new leader,
And does anyone wonder if Will Muschamp’s career can stop being a bleeder?
Barry Odom was hired at Mizzou to calm a stormy sea,
But what the Tigers truly need is an offense that moves like a jet ski.

Let’s not forget about Kirby Smart at UGA.
No pressure, but everyone in Athens will ask, “Be like Saban, OK?”
Meanwhile, in Baton Rouge, Les Miles’ tenure is breathing,
But would anyone blame him if he’s still seething?

As we move through summer’s final weeks, everyone can agree,
Get the games going, because we want to break free!
We’ve had enough lists and hype videos to last a lifetime.
Give us our moment to watch contenders make the annual climb!

Make kickoff happen, SEC style, it has almost arrived,
Crack cold ones, fire up the grill, we’ve got to see this live!
All the season’s joy won’t fit in Mike the Tiger’s mouth,
Here’s wishing every Saturday was a Saturday Down South!