The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is currently engaged in discussions about transitioning from an eight-game to a nine-game conference football schedule.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has acknowledged the growing interest in this shift but has also expressed concerns about its potential impact on the College Football Playoff (CFP) bids for member schools.
Historically, the SEC has maintained an eight-game conference schedule, even as other Power Five conferences like the Big Ten and Big 12 have adopted nine-game slates. This structure has allowed SEC teams to schedule non-conference games, often against less competitive opponents, to bolster their win records. However, with the recent expansion of the CFP to 12 teams, the emphasis on strength of schedule has intensified, prompting the SEC to reevaluate its scheduling approach.
In recent meetings, SEC athletic directors and coaches have revisited the idea of a nine-game conference schedule. Commissioner Sankey noted that some individuals who were previously opposed are now reconsidering their positions, indicating a shift in perspective within the conference. This change is partly influenced by the desire to align with other major conferences and enhance the competitiveness of the SEC’s schedule.
One of the primary motivations for considering a nine-game schedule is the potential financial benefit. Discussions have included the prospect of increased revenue from media partnerships, particularly with ESPN. Reports suggest that adding a ninth conference game could result in additional earnings exceeding $5 million annually per school. This financial incentive is a significant factor in the ongoing deliberations.
However, the potential impact on CFP bids remains a critical concern. Under the current 12-team CFP format, the four highest-ranked conference champions receive first-round byes. This structure has led to scenarios where lower-ranked conference champions secure top seeds, potentially disadvantaging higher-ranked teams from stronger conferences like the SEC. For instance, in a recent season, Boise State and Arizona State, ranked ninth and twelfth respectively, secured the third and fourth seeds by virtue of winning their conferences, while higher-ranked teams like Texas and Penn State were seeded lower.
Commissioner Sankey and Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti have advocated for changes to the CFP seeding process to address these disparities. They propose that conference champions should not be guaranteed top-four seeds unless they are ranked accordingly in the final CFP standings. This proposal aims to ensure that the most competitive teams receive favorable positions in the playoff bracket, reflecting their performance throughout the season.
The SEC’s decision on expanding to a nine-game conference schedule is also influenced by the need to observe how the CFP selection committee evaluates teams under the new format. Commissioner Sankey has emphasized the importance of understanding the committee’s criteria and the implications for bowl eligibility before making a final decision. This cautious approach allows the SEC to gather data and insights from the initial seasons of the expanded CFP before implementing significant scheduling changes.
Additionally, there is a strategic consideration regarding non-conference scheduling. Some SEC teams have traditionally scheduled high-profile non-conference games to enhance their strength of schedule and appeal to the CFP selection committee. Moving to a nine-game conference schedule could reduce the flexibility to schedule such marquee matchups, potentially impacting teams’ overall competitiveness and attractiveness to the CFP.
In conclusion, the SEC is at a pivotal juncture in determining its future football scheduling format. The discussions around adopting a nine-game conference schedule are multifaceted, involving financial considerations, competitive balance, and the quest for favorable positioning in the College Football Playoff. As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, the SEC’s decisions in this regard will have lasting implications for its member institutions and their pursuit of national championships.
