B/R 5th Down: Alabama Claims Most Successful SEC Program of All Time

Editor's Note: The 5th Down captures the top social college football stories of the week. Because the long, grueling offseason is underway, we'll focus on things that make us laugh, think or maybe cry, but mostly laugh.

1. Alabama Is Dominant and Wants You to Know

A broken heart inspired Poison's "Every Rose Has Its Thorn." A tweet from an outside linebackers coach will inspire the most heated debate of the summer—of the college football variety, that is—in the Southeastern part of the U.S.

Over the weekend, Crimson Tide assistant Tosh Lupoi tweeted a photo claiming Alabama was the "most successful SEC program of all time":

There are a few other programs in the SEC that probably have a thing or two to say about that. But what about you? Is Alabama the most successful SEC program of all time? Vote in our poll below:

2. Jalen Ramsey Is a Good Ol' Fashioned American

If there's one great thing about America, it's that red, white and blue go with just about everything. Since we as a country are still swelling with patriotism from the Fourth of July weekend—and from the U.S. Women's National Team totally crushing it in the Women's World Cup—here's Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey in some American concept art, if you will. 

Come to think of it, the Seminoles could do a lot worse than this American flag uniform, even if it is for Photoshop purposes only at the moment. 

3. Happy Fourth of July and Gig 'Em

Sparklers are one of the least-rewarding fireworks out there. Actually, should they even be considered part of the fireworks family? They're good for children and weddings, and that's it. 

But sparklers can have an artistic purpose, as this Texas A&M fan captured on Twitter.

That's pretty awesome. OK, sparklers. Y'all are fine. 

4. Things That Make You Smile, Part 1

Freshman Tennessee defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie is a star in the making on the field. He's also emerging as a good Samaritan off it. 

According to Andrew Holleran of CollegeSpun.com, "a young Tennessee fan named Asa was on his way to Knoxville, Tenn., to purchase one of the Volunteers’ new Nike jerseys. While driving, Asa had a seizure, causing him to crash, sustain an injury to his spine and break his jaw." 

McKenzie, at the request of Asa's parents, went to visit the Vols fan in the hospital and posted this Instagram message afterward: 

Well done, Kahlil.

5. Things That Make You Smile, Part 2

The good news is that McKenzie isn't the only member of the college football community doing his part to positively affect others. UCLA head coach Jim Mora is offering up some help of his own. The bad news is that Mora is responding to something no six-year-old should ever have to endure. 

Darren Abate/Associated Press

If you haven't seen it, Avery Huffman, the daughter of Scout.com's National Director of Recruiting Brandon Huffman, was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a cancerous brain tumor. The location of the tumor has made surgery impossible.

In response, Mora, along with UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero and IMG College, are providing several package deals for fans who donate certain amounts to Avery's treatment. They range from tailgating packages to "Coach for a Day" packages, in which fans can fly on the team plane and attend a game from the sideline.

For those interested, here is Avery's GoFundMe page.

6. Hello There, College Football Playoff Countdown Clock

We know you can't wait for college football to start again. Yes, it's July, meaning you should be out camping or fishing or taking a vacation or doing literally anything else but pining for college football. But look at that, the SEC Network is playing a game from last season and, well, now you have to watch it. 

If this is you, don't worry—you're not alone. Meet the College Football Playoff countdown clock, unveiled at Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport:

Emily Mahoney of the Arizona Republic had the story:

"

A handful of elected officials and local leaders, including Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and Glendale City Councilman Sammy Chavira, gathered at Sky Harbor's Terminal 4 on Tuesday morning to unveil a clock counting down the days, hours and minutes until the College Football Playoff National Championship game kicks off in Glendale on Jan. 11.

"

Don't fret; the wait is almost over. Just another six months and the national championship game will be here.

7. Jim Harbaugh and Percentages

Last week while appearing on the radio with ESPN's Colin Cowherd, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh gave one of the most awkward interviews you'll ever hear. Rehashing what made it so painful would be repetitive. So if you enjoy punishment and awkward moments, you can watch the interview again below:

Or, you can skip to Harbaugh talking percentages on Twitter: 

Harbaugh only takes 50 percent accountability but doesn't openly blame Cowherd for the other half. Possible other explanations:

• Ohio State
• Watching Judge Judy
• Can't talk; too busy scooping up recruits at satellite camps
• Ohio State again
• OK, never mind, he was blaming Cowherd

8. More Like Game of Jones, Amirite?

In case you missed it, Tennessee had a huge unveiling party for its new Nike uniforms. The threads themselves are pretty legit; they stay true to Tennessee's unique orange and white combo while incorporating some inspiration from the Smoky Mountains. 

Of course, what would a uniform unveiling be without a Game of Thrones reference? Here's Vols coach Butch Jones in "Game of Jones":

Here's our only question, though: Does this mean Jon Snow is actually [STATEMENT REDACTED]?

9. AN IMPORTANT WALLABY UPDATE

Last week, 5th Down shared a picture of Michigan running back Wyatt Shallman and a wallaby. The whole thing, while adorable, also seemed sort of sketchy. Can one actually possess a wallaby legally?

As it turns out, no, you cannot. Ben Freed of MLive.com has the whole story of the wallaby being returned to its breeder; the long and short of it is that the wallaby was exchanging hands often, literally and figuratively speaking.

Below is a statement from Brittany Peet, PETA Foundation deputy director of captive animal law enforcement, to MLive.com: 

"

Ultimately a wallaby doesn't belong in a private home any more than a wolverine does. These students and the University of Michigan had an opportunity to step up and set a great example by allowing the wallaby to spend the rest of its life with other wallabies in a natural habitat in an accredited facility. Unfortunately, they dropped the ball.

"

Oh, a football pun.

10. Finally, Your College Football (Expansion) Quote of the Week

You want Big 12 expansion hot takes? TCU athletic director Chris Del Conte has Big 12 expansion hot takes. And his take is for everyone to simmer all the way down:

Of course, the irony in Del Conte's comments is that TCU dropped three spots last December—from No. 3 to No. 6, effectively knocking the Frogs out of the CFP field—due in part to the lack of a 13th regular-season game. If any program should have an expansion gripe, it's TCU.

Del Conte has a point, though. If anyone says they know the playoff formula, they're lying. If they think they know, they don't. What might benefit a team one year could hurt them another year. Making sweeping, rash decisions after one year isn't the route the Big 12, or anyone, should go.  

The Big 12's regular season was what it was. Imperfect? Yes. An unmitigated disaster? Not quite. TCU is still fielding a football team and will be highly ranked heading into the season with another good shot at a playoff spot. 

Life moves on. 

Ben Kercheval is a lead writer for college football. He's researching marsupial adoption protocol on Twitter @BenKercheval.