The new SEC rotating schedule

[MDM4AU 339]

...is stupid. Just sayin'.

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2014/sec-future-football-opponents-2025/

[Mikey 16,781]

Were I The All Powerful we'd go to a nine-game schedule. Since I'm not and there will be no nine-game SEC schedule I guess this is about as good as any.

What I'd really like to do is add Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, move AU to the SEC east and have UAT as our regular western division opponent. That would make two 8 team divisions and everybody could have one regular and one rotating cross-division opponent and play nine SEC games.

[Rednilla 5,469]

Were I The All Powerful we'd go to a nine-game schedule. Since I'm not and there will be no nine-game SEC schedule I guess this is about as good as any.

What I'd really like to do is add Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, move AU to the SEC east and have UAT as our regular western division opponent. That would make two 8 team divisions and everybody could have one regular and one rotating cross-division opponent and play nine SEC games.

I don't know that the power brokers in Tuscaloosa and Knoxville would allow that to happen (AU moving to the East). I suspect if the conference expands any more, it will be in an easterly direction, and probably open two new television markets. Miami and either NC State or Virginia Tech would make the most sense from that standpoint, because neither Georgia Tech nor FSU bring in new TV markets, while each of the others do. UNC would work, as well, but they are HIGHLY unlikely to leave the ACC because of their basketball rivalry with Duke. NC State makes more sense than VT from a geographic standpoint, but VT has the better football tradition (at least in my lifetime) and thus a broader fan base.

[WarTiger 4,092]

What seems odd to me is they establish a 6 year schedule rotation, why not just repeat it after the 6 years instead of changing the order again? Seems it would be much easier to just establish the 6 year schedule and repeat it.

[Auburn 6 101]

Were I The All Powerful we'd go to a nine-game schedule. Since I'm not and there will be no nine-game SEC schedule I guess this is about as good as any.

What I'd really like to do is add Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, move AU to the SEC east and have UAT as our regular western division opponent. That would make two 8 team divisions and everybody could have one regular and one rotating cross-division opponent and play nine SEC games.

I don't know that the power brokers in Tuscaloosa and Knoxville would allow that to happen (AU moving to the East). I suspect if the conference expands any more, it will be in an easterly direction, and probably open two new television markets. Miami and either NC State or Virginia Tech would make the most sense from that standpoint, because neither Georgia Tech nor FSU bring in new TV markets, while each of the others do. UNC would work, as well, but they are HIGHLY unlikely to leave the ACC because of their basketball rivalry with Duke. NC State makes more sense than VT from a geographic standpoint, but VT has the better football tradition (at least in my lifetime) and thus a broader fan base.

The other benefit is that VT would bring the Northern VA and DC metro area market too. Yes, the school is almost 4 hours away but VA doesn't have another good football program and many of their alums end up in the DC metro area. I grew up there and the vast majority of college football fans are VT fans, WVU is a distant second and that's about it. The rest are pretty insignificant.

[keesler 6,026]

Were I The All Powerful we'd go to a nine-game schedule. Since I'm not and there will be no nine-game SEC schedule I guess this is about as good as any.

What I'd really like to do is add Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, move AU to the SEC east and have UAT as our regular western division opponent. That would make two 8 team divisions and everybody could have one regular and one rotating cross-division opponent and play nine SEC games.

I don't know that the power brokers in Tuscaloosa and Knoxville would allow that to happen (AU moving to the East). I suspect if the conference expands any more, it will be in an easterly direction, and probably open two new television markets. Miami and either NC State or Virginia Tech would make the most sense from that standpoint, because neither Georgia Tech nor FSU bring in new TV markets, while each of the others do. UNC would work, as well, but they are HIGHLY unlikely to leave the ACC because of their basketball rivalry with Duke. NC State makes more sense than VT from a geographic standpoint, but VT has the better football tradition (at least in my lifetime) and thus a broader fan base.

The power brokers in Tuscaloosa and Knoxville wanted a 9 game schedule - it got shot to the curb. Until further expansion takes place, this is what we got.

[AU64 10,122]

Were I The All Powerful we'd go to a nine-game schedule. Since I'm not and there will be no nine-game SEC schedule I guess this is about as good as any.

What I'd really like to do is add Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, move AU to the SEC east and have UAT as our regular western division opponent. That would make two 8 team divisions and everybody could have one regular and one rotating cross-division opponent and play nine SEC games.

I don't know that the power brokers in Tuscaloosa and Knoxville would allow that to happen (AU moving to the East). I suspect if the conference expands any more, it will be in an easterly direction, and probably open two new television markets. Miami and either NC State or Virginia Tech would make the most sense from that standpoint, because neither Georgia Tech nor FSU bring in new TV markets, while each of the others do. UNC would work, as well, but they are HIGHLY unlikely to leave the ACC because of their basketball rivalry with Duke. NC State makes more sense than VT from a geographic standpoint, but VT has the better football tradition (at least in my lifetime) and thus a broader fan base.

The power brokers in Tuscaloosa and Knoxville wanted a 9 game schedule - it got shot to the curb. Until further expansion takes place, this is what we got.

JMO but the so-called power brokers in Tuscy and Knoxville are not quite as powerful as many AU people seem to think. Never quite understood why so many AU fans consider that bama gets everything their way...... it sure doesn't look that way to me.

[WDE_OxPx_2010 5,546]

Were I The All Powerful we'd go to a nine-game schedule. Since I'm not and there will be no nine-game SEC schedule I guess this is about as good as any.

What I'd really like to do is add Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, move AU to the SEC east and have UAT as our regular western division opponent. That would make two 8 team divisions and everybody could have one regular and one rotating cross-division opponent and play nine SEC games.

I don't know that the power brokers in Tuscaloosa and Knoxville would allow that to happen (AU moving to the East). I suspect if the conference expands any more, it will be in an easterly direction, and probably open two new television markets. Miami and either NC State or Virginia Tech would make the most sense from that standpoint, because neither Georgia Tech nor FSU bring in new TV markets, while each of the others do. UNC would work, as well, but they are HIGHLY unlikely to leave the ACC because of their basketball rivalry with Duke. NC State makes more sense than VT from a geographic standpoint, but VT has the better football tradition (at least in my lifetime) and thus a broader fan base.

The other benefit is that VT would bring the Northern VA and DC metro area market too. Yes, the school is almost 4 hours away but VA doesn't have another good football program and many of their alums end up in the DC metro area. I grew up there and the vast majority of college football fans are VT fans, WVU is a distant second and that's about it. The rest are pretty insignificant.

I live in Winston Salem, NC and VaTech and NCState have a HUGE alumni base here as well. I'd say those two schools are good matches with Auburn in terms of student population, alumni, academics, etc.

[Rednilla 5,469]

Were I The All Powerful we'd go to a nine-game schedule. Since I'm not and there will be no nine-game SEC schedule I guess this is about as good as any.

What I'd really like to do is add Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, move AU to the SEC east and have UAT as our regular western division opponent. That would make two 8 team divisions and everybody could have one regular and one rotating cross-division opponent and play nine SEC games.

I don't know that the power brokers in Tuscaloosa and Knoxville would allow that to happen (AU moving to the East). I suspect if the conference expands any more, it will be in an easterly direction, and probably open two new television markets. Miami and either NC State or Virginia Tech would make the most sense from that standpoint, because neither Georgia Tech nor FSU bring in new TV markets, while each of the others do. UNC would work, as well, but they are HIGHLY unlikely to leave the ACC because of their basketball rivalry with Duke. NC State makes more sense than VT from a geographic standpoint, but VT has the better football tradition (at least in my lifetime) and thus a broader fan base.

The power brokers in Tuscaloosa and Knoxville wanted a 9 game schedule - it got shot to the curb. Until further expansion takes place, this is what we got.

But there's a difference: losing the UAT-UTk rivalry would create a huge stink for the fan bases at two traditional SEC powers, while the 9 game conference schedule is something that can be deliberated and debated in future years, after we get a better understanding of how the playoff selection committee works.

[BJ17 0]

If and this is a BIG IF the SEC ever expands to 16 teams, I say they take back Ga Tech (east) and add Clemson to the east. that way the move Mizzou to the west. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the SEC is 26 teams by 2020. Also we need to go to a 9 game conference schedule. I've even heard some Bama fan say a 10 game conference schedule.

[cptau 169]

Were I The All Powerful we'd go to a nine-game schedule. Since I'm not and there will be no nine-game SEC schedule I guess this is about as good as any.

What I'd really like to do is add Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, move AU to the SEC east and have UAT as our regular western division opponent. That would make two 8 team divisions and everybody could have one regular and one rotating cross-division opponent and play nine SEC games.

Actually if OK and OK state joined, they'd move Missouri to the west where is belongs and auburn and UAT would move to the East. We get UGA every year and UAT gets UT every year. All rival game problems solved. Which the east would throw a fit about get us and UAT.

[hutchids 268]

Were I The All Powerful we'd go to a nine-game schedule. Since I'm not and there will be no nine-game SEC schedule I guess this is about as good as any.

What I'd really like to do is add Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, move AU to the SEC east and have UAT as our regular western division opponent. That would make two 8 team divisions and everybody could have one regular and one rotating cross-division opponent and play nine SEC games.

Actually if OK and OK state joined, they'd move Missouri to the west where is belongs and auburn and UAT would move to the East. We get UGA every year and UAT gets UT every year. All rival game problems solved. Which the east would throw a fit about get us and UAT.

This ^ or just move us east so we get UT and UF every year and put mizzou in the west

[BJ17 0]

Ok adding OU and Okie State is a bit of a stretch. I just don't see that happening.

[AU64 10,122]

Man, glad I got to see all those great Florida games "back in the day" 'cause odds are pretty good that I'll only catch one more of them with that new schedule...but will do my best.

[Mikey 16,781]

Ok adding OU and Okie State is a bit of a stretch. I just don't see that happening.

I don't either. But I did say IF I were the All Powerful that's what I'd do. Since I'm not....

[WarEagle84 0]

Were I The All Powerful we'd go to a nine-game schedule. Since I'm not and there will be no nine-game SEC schedule I guess this is about as good as any.

What I'd really like to do is add Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, move AU to the SEC east and have UAT as our regular western division opponent. That would make two 8 team divisions and everybody could have one regular and one rotating cross-division opponent and play nine SEC games.

I don't know that the power brokers in Tuscaloosa and Knoxville would allow that to happen (AU moving to the East). I suspect if the conference expands any more, it will be in an easterly direction, and probably open two new television markets. Miami and either NC State or Virginia Tech would make the most sense from that standpoint, because neither Georgia Tech nor FSU bring in new TV markets, while each of the others do. UNC would work, as well, but they are HIGHLY unlikely to leave the ACC because of their basketball rivalry with Duke. NC State makes more sense than VT from a geographic standpoint, but VT has the better football tradition (at least in my lifetime) and thus a broader fan base.

The power brokers in Tuscaloosa and Knoxville wanted a 9 game schedule - it got shot to the curb. Until further expansion takes place, this is what we got.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but can't they bring the 9-game schedule up for a vote every year? We're not necessarily stuck with this long term (though I would expect them to leave it this way for at least a couple of years before seriously reconsidering).

[AUbritt 626]

This guy has it figured out. Not sure whether this was discussed, and if not, why not.

[gilstein21 1]

it's too unconventional for the big heads that make the decisions. However, I think it's great for a conference this size and with all the games that teams want to preserve. It accomplished a lot by: maintaining rivalries, playing all teams in a reasonable amount of time, and balances the schedule.

[AU64 10,122]

Were I The All Powerful we'd go to a nine-game schedule. Since I'm not and there will be no nine-game SEC schedule I guess this is about as good as any.

What I'd really like to do is add Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, move AU to the SEC east and have UAT as our regular western division opponent. That would make two 8 team divisions and everybody could have one regular and one rotating cross-division opponent and play nine SEC games.

I don't know that the power brokers in Tuscaloosa and Knoxville would allow that to happen (AU moving to the East). I suspect if the conference expands any more, it will be in an easterly direction, and probably open two new television markets. Miami and either NC State or Virginia Tech would make the most sense from that standpoint, because neither Georgia Tech nor FSU bring in new TV markets, while each of the others do. UNC would work, as well, but they are HIGHLY unlikely to leave the ACC because of their basketball rivalry with Duke. NC State makes more sense than VT from a geographic standpoint, but VT has the better football tradition (at least in my lifetime) and thus a broader fan base.

The power brokers in Tuscaloosa and Knoxville wanted a 9 game schedule - it got shot to the curb. Until further expansion takes place, this is what we got.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but can't they bring the 9-game schedule up for a vote every year? We're not necessarily stuck with this long term (though I would expect them to leave it this way for at least a couple of years before seriously reconsidering).

No point in bringing it up again until there is an indication that it will pass. IMO the first try was a courtesy to those favoring the 9 game schedule and to gauge the level of interest....which turned out to be pretty modest I understand.

So, until there is a big shift in sentiment toward 9 games, I expect we will be continue with 8 for quite a while.

[Mikey 16,781]

This guy has it figured out. Not sure whether this was discussed, and if not, why not.

Great find! It sounds good to me, but I didn't spent loads of time trying to pick holes in it. Anyone that didn't check out Britt's link, go look. This maintains all the big rivalries and each team plays every other team at least every other year.

I can't imagine how many hours that guy put in, but this should be brought up at the next SEC meeting.

[AU64 10,122]

This guy has it figured out. Not sure whether this was discussed, and if not, why not.

Great find! It sounds good to me, but I didn't spent loads of time trying to pick holes in it. Anyone that didn't check out Britt's link, go look. This maintains all the big rivalries and each team plays every other team at least every other year.

I can't imagine how many hours that guy put in, but this should be brought up at the next SEC meeting.

Agree...very interesting....anyone interested in the subject should read that link.

True, it does away with the hallowed East and West Divisions.....but those are just old concepts that developed when the conference had fewer members and there is no real reason IMO for them to consider them as sacred.

JMO but as long as the objectives are met to get more frequent match-ups of ALL teams (as the writer suggested) what difference does it make whether there are two fixed divisions or a "pod" system?

[Tiger 8,907]

If AU moved to the east, we could potentially play Bama 3 games in a row. Iron Bowl, SEC Championship game, and in the playoffs. Yikes, I think somebody might die.

[Rednilla 5,469]

If AU moved to the east, we could potentially play Bama 3 games in a row. Iron Bowl, SEC Championship game, and in the playoffs. Yikes, I think somebody might die.

Would never happen. Even in the EXTREMELY remote chance that we had a rematch in the SECCG, yet both teams still got into the playoffs (like if one won the Iron Bowl and the other won the SECCG), I can't imagine the selection committee not splitting the two teams for the first round. I rather doubt any two teams from the same conference will face one another in the first round, for that matter.

[BSCE96 0]

This guy has it figured out. Not sure whether this was discussed, and if not, why not.

Great find! It sounds good to me, but I didn't spent loads of time trying to pick holes in it. Anyone that didn't check out Britt's link, go look. This maintains all the big rivalries and each team plays every other team at least every other year.

I can't imagine how many hours that guy put in, but this should be brought up at the next SEC meeting.

Agree...very interesting....anyone interested in the subject should read that link.

True, it does away with the hallowed East and West Divisions.....but those are just old concepts that developed when the conference had fewer members and there is no real reason IMO for them to consider them as sacred.

JMO but as long as the objectives are met to get more frequent match-ups of ALL teams (as the writer suggested) what difference does it make whether there are two fixed divisions or a "pod" system?

That seems like a concept the SEC office should consider. It maintains all the traditional rivalries while rotating so that teams meet on a more frequent basis. I think the biggest problem with the current format is the length of time between meetings and visits to other schools. The current east and west divisions are gone, but I don't think that is important. Hopefully this type of concept can gain some traction with the schedule makers

[gravejd 3,382]

If AU moved to the east, we could potentially play Bama 3 games in a row. Iron Bowl, SEC Championship game, and in the playoffs. Yikes, I think somebody might die.

Would never happen. Even in the EXTREMELY remote chance that we had a rematch in the SECCG, yet both teams still got into the playoffs (like if one won the Iron Bowl and the other won the SECCG), I can't imagine the selection committee not splitting the two teams for the first round. I rather doubt any two teams from the same conference will face one another in the first round, for that matter.

Funny thought and it could easily happen! Both teams go into the last game of the season undefeated. Bama wins and they play AU in SEC championship game. AU wins the SEC championship game and both teams finish the season in the top 5. There are no more than 2 undefeated teams from major conferences so what 1 loss team beats out a 1 loss SEC team?? Regardless of if the 2 SEC teams are split up or not they could stil meet in the title game. Ok so it couldn't easily happen but it could happen. My solution to this would be that the AU bama game would have to be moved from the last week of the season, That way no rematch in back to back weeks for SEC championship game. But not much you can do about meeting 3 times. If the playoffs expanded to say 16 teams they could get rid of the conference champioship games and that way you are assured to not play the same team more than twice in a season.