SEC Spring Meetings: Ole Miss-LSU Rivalry on Chopping Block With Schedule Modifications?
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On one hand, expansion is a good thing for the Southeastern Conference. On the other, however, change makes people uncomfortable, and the shift in conference scheduling beginning in 2024 grabbed headlines on Friday.
A story by Brandon Marcello of 247Sports indicates that "at least five" schools enter the SEC Spring Meetings on Tuesday opposing a switch from an eight-game to nine-game conference model when the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns join the league in 2024. According to this story, Ole Miss' decision-makers are still "on the fence" about the issue (along with Auburn and Tennessee), but either scheduling model brings new ramifications to the conference.
The models up for debate beginning next week are as follows:
- a nine-game model with three permanent opponents and six rotating opponents
- an eight-game model with one permanent opponent and seven rotating opponents
If the eight-game model is chosen over the nine, how does that affect Ole Miss? In short, Mississippi State would be the Rebels' permanent opponent each year, axing annual matchups with the likes of LSU and Arkansas, two meetings that have become very familiar with Rebel fans.
Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide voiced displeasure with his team's potential permanent opponents under the nine-game model earlier this year. Since then, it appears that the Tide as a whole have shifted gears and are willing to hear arguments for an eight-game model moving forward.
According to Marcello, four other schools (Arkansas, Mississippi State, South Carolina and Kentucky) oppose the nine-game model as well.
How will this all shape out? The SEC Spring Meetings that begin on Tuesday in Miramar Beach, Fla., will be the beginning of that answer, but 2023 could be the final year for some traditional matchups within the conference regardless.
You can follow John Macon on Twitter at @JMakeGillespie.
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