USA Today Sports has named the fanbases of both Alabama and Auburn among the “most beloved” in all of college football.

So, what exactly does “most beloved” mean?

“[T]he true test of loyalty is how deep the fandom goes,” Paul Myerberg of USA today wrote. “This is what separates good fan bases from the country’s best. Yes, some fan bases are better than others, [but these] five stand above all the rest.”

Oklahoma, LSU, Nebraska and Texas A&M make up fanbases 2-5, but Crimson Tide fans are in a class by themselves, according to USA Today.

Here’s their explanation:

Yes, Crimson Tide fans walk a thin line between “great” and “wow, these guys are terrible.” (It’s a pretty thin line.) But there’s something to be said for the tried-and-true, dyed-in-the-wool nature of the fan base: Alabama loyalty is passed down from generation to generation, hidden somewhere in the genetic code, and it seems as if each generation gets a little more loyal than the last. If that’s possible. Every SEC fan base is terrific, true. Alabama’s just seems a little better than the rest – if only by a nose. Negative points for poisoning the trees at Auburn’s Toomer’s Corner.

Auburn was listed in USA Today’s “honorable mention” category, placing them somewhere in the top 11 if the rankings had been listed out that far. Other honorable mention schools included Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Kansas State, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

Over half of the 11 schools recognized for having the best fanbases are members of the Southeastern Conference.

Alabama and Auburn fans will be watching closely this weekend as their teams square off in one of the most anticipated Iron Bowls in recent history. The winner will win the right to represent the SEC West division in the conference championship game.

The Iron Bowl is set to air at 2:30 p.m. this Saturday on CBS.

Follow Cliff on Twitter @Cliff_Sims