Between The Eers: It's Time for the SEC to Get On Board with Scheduling

The Southeastern Conference, for all its undeniable dominance and fervent fan base, finds itself at a critical juncture regarding its scheduling philosophy. As the college football landscape continues to evolve, particularly with the impending expansion of the College Football Playoff and the addition of new powerhouse programs to its own ranks, the SEC has a golden opportunity to solidify its position not just as the premier league, but as a true leader in competitive integrity. The path forward is clear: embrace a nine-game conference schedule and, perhaps even more crucially, eliminate the practice of scheduling non-conference "cupcakes" during the pivotal month of November.

Currently, the SEC's standard eight-game conference schedule feels increasingly anachronistic in an era where strength of schedule is paramount. While other Power Five conferences have largely moved to a nine-game model, the SEC has clung to its traditional format, often resulting in fewer high-stakes matchups within the league. This reluctance to expand the conference slate means fewer opportunities for marquee games that generate national interest, test elite teams, and build compelling résumés. With the imminent arrival of Texas and Oklahoma, the argument for an expanded conference schedule becomes even more compelling. The depth of talent and the number of potential rivalry games within the new 16-team SEC are simply too vast to be constrained by just eight league contests. A nine-game schedule would guarantee more competitive balance, provide a truer measure of conference champions, and offer fans a richer, more engaging regular season.

However, the most egregious scheduling sin, and one that truly diminishes the product, is the late-season non-conference game. The sight of a top-ranked SEC program, with playoff aspirations on the line, squaring off against an FCS opponent or a struggling Group of Five team in mid-November is not just an eyesore; it’s an active disservice to the sport. November is the month when college football should be reaching its crescendo. Conference championship races are tightening, Heisman Trophy candidates are making their final pushes, and playoff hopefuls are battling for position. Inserting a guaranteed win against an overmatched opponent into this crucial stretch not only breaks the competitive rhythm but also creates a significant lull in fan engagement. It dilutes the strength of schedule, offers no meaningful challenge, and does nothing to prepare teams for the intensity of postseason play. Instead of a high-stakes, must-win conference game that could send ripples through the national rankings, fans are often treated to a glorified scrimmage.

The solution is not complex. The SEC should commit to a nine-game conference schedule, ensuring that every team faces a more rigorous and balanced slate of league opponents. Furthermore, the November schedule should be reserved exclusively for conference matchups or, failing that, for high-profile non-conference games against fellow Power Five programs that genuinely enhance a team's résumé. Imagine the intensity of every SEC team playing a meaningful conference game in the final weeks of the season, with division titles and playoff berths hanging in the balance. This approach would elevate the entire conference, providing a more accurate assessment of its top teams and delivering the kind of high-stakes, competitive football that fans truly crave. It's time for the SEC to lead by example and embrace a scheduling model that prioritizes competition, strengthens the integrity of the sport, and delivers maximum value to its passionate fan base.