Forget about moving to nine-conference games in the SEC. Just getting the current eight-game format to change is enough of a chore. LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva says the athletic directors in the SEC are not likely to budge on the current scheduling format that calls for six division games, one permanent crossover match-up and a rotating spot for the eighth game.
“The ADs will not change their votes,” Alleva said, according to The Advocate. “The only hope for change is for the (SEC) presidents to realize it’s not an equitable schedule. They have to have the foresight and wisdom to change it.”
Alleva and head coach Les Miles are stumping to change the eight-game scheduling formula that would eliminate the permanent crossover match-ups and allow for two rotating opponents on the schedule. The simple solution would seem to be moving to a nine-game scheduling format, as the Pac 12 and Big 12 currently use. The Big Ten will move to a nine-game format in 2016. The ACC uses an eight-game conference schedule, not including guaranteed games with Notre Dame, and has been discussing options for future scheduling plans. As Alleva notes, the SEC moving to a nine-game schedule is not ideal for the conference because it means adding one more loss for a number of teams, perhaps costing a school a shot at a postseason game.
“That means seven more losses for certain teams,” Alleva said. Seven losses in a 12-game schedule means a school would be ineligible for postseason play with a losing record. No bowl game means no bowl payout for the school and the conference.
It’s always about the money, right? If that is going to be the case, how the SEC Network influences the philosophy of the ADs around the SEC should be of interest in the coming months.