re: What is SEC culture?

As someone put it, we fight like siblings and band together against anyone who isn't the SEC. College football is a religion. Food and drink are a big deal. Tailgating is mandatory. Cook more food than you can possibly eat, eat more than you know you should, drink, nap, watch football on TV (we bring TVs and big stereos to tailgates), listen to music, mock the opposing team, etc. Many people drink alcohol before games (although in some places you have to pretend you aren't drinking, so as not to offend the Baptists). It's ok to start drinking at 7am. All the normal rules are suspended while tailgating. I haven't been to every stadium in the SEC, but many places shut down on game day. In Baton Rouge before an LSU game, all nearby roads become one-way streets pointing towards the stadium. It doesn't matter if you need to get to the ER. You're going to the game, first. The roads reverse direction after the game. Southern hospitality is also a big deal in the SEC. When we're done mocking you, we'll offer you food and drink. Then we'll hang out and make fun of anyone worthy of ridicule.

This article was written for A&M, but it explains some of the mysteries of the SEC: LINK