🏈 Tentative plan for Mizzou to join SEC, Auburn would move to East, sources say

[Billie Bob]

If that were to happen, I seriously hope that we keep UT and let Agburn fade into obscurity on a rotation. The rivalry is unhealthy.

Most Bama fans couldn't care less if we play them, while Agbarn's existence is predicated on playing us. Without Agbarn we are still Alabama. Without us, Agbarn is just Clemson without a lake.

Thank goodness for these words of clarity. Screw the Barn, I say put them in the East in the five-year rotation, and move the game to the second or third game of the year. Just not sure the University would agree to put the Barn on the rotation, pressure from the legislature, etc. The rivalry will return to a more healthy level and that is a good thing.

 

[nchawg]

I do understand the "TV" market size of St. Louis and KC but my opinion is

1) With all due respect to Jesse James and Jose Wales (yeah I know that last one is fictional), the majority of Missouri is not Southern and culturally does not fit in the SEC.

2) I don't believe the University of Missouri has a large following in their own state. There is not a strong passion for U of M football.

Stick with 13 if this is the best we can do.

 

[rammerjammer]

I'm with nchawg on the Mizzou deal. I would prefer a WV or Louisville over Mizzou. They are not much better, but would be a better geographical fit, and with Louisville you have the UK rivalry built in.

My first two choices would still be FSU and Clemson. Both of those programs, or at least one of them, would be a fantastic add to our conference.

 

[LBS]

Missouri's best shot as relevant rivalries in the SEC would be with Texas A&M and Arkansas. The Hogs being the closest and the Aggies due to the Big12 connection. Aggies naturally mesh with Missouri, and LSU (closest). LSU with Texas A&M and Arkanses (they play for the "Boot" trophy). That is the best fit for each of the four.

There is talk of the PAC-16 using 4x4-team pods, if Texas/Oklahoma/OkState/Texas Tech join. Pods open up some interesting opportunities and would fit will with the Missouri/TAMY/LSU/ARK best fit.

POD CONCEPTPod 1: LSU, Arkansas, Texas A&M, and Missouri
Pod 2: Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Miss State
Pod 3: Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, TBD
Pod 4: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, TBD

If we can make it to 16 teams, the most likely direction to be growing will be East and or North, both because that is where most of the teams are and that is were the media markets are. With that the case, the two teams that are yet To Be Determined, could reasonably be placed in one of the two Eastern Pods.

 

[jdpas29]

so instead of a championship game we have a "pod-off" ?

 

[LBS]

so instead of a championship game we have a "pod-off" ?

Actually there are some interesting options. With four Pods, you can consider four teams (each Pod champ) when deciding who should play for the Conference title. You could pick the best two from LSU, Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida for interest. Or you could pair up two Pods to compete for one slot (best record) among the 8 goes. And, the Pods match ups could switch from year to year to make interestion. (Pod 1 & Pod 2) vs. (Pod 3 & Pod 4) this year...(Pod 1 & Pod 3) vs. (Pod 2 & Pods 4) next year...(Pod 1 & Pod 4) vs. (Pod 2 & Pod 3) in year #3. It just gives you more ways to ensure that the best 2 teams end up playing for the title.

Because only 3 games are obligated to Pod play, there are more games freed to conserve traditional rivalries. Pod Play and a yearly opponent from each Pod is still only 6 games.
Each Pod having its own trophy gives the winner a regional bragging point and deepens the neighborhood competition.