Though most of the major conferences play a nine game in-conference schedule, the ultra-competitive SEC only plays eight. Sure enough, some critics out there feel that the conference should get with the times and add an extra game.
Then, Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema shut all critics down in saying one sentence to ESPN’s Edward Aschoff.
Bielema on folks pushing for nine conference games: “I invite you to play eight in the SEC”
— Edward Aschoff (@AschoffESPN) May 26, 2015
It’s hard to argue Bielema’s logic. Not only is the SEC the toughest conference in all of college football, but it is known for having hard-hitting defenses that show no mercy to any opponent, SEC member or no.
On top of that, of the 14 SEC football teams, only two finished with overall records below .500. Keep in mind that Bielema’s Arkansas team finished 2-6 in SEC play in 2014 and last in the SEC West Division, but had an overall record of 7-6. That gives a better idea of just how competitive the conference is.
That said, put yourself in the position of an SEC football coach. With injuries a constant looming threat in the game of football, plus the travel involved in going to road games, then other preparations and having to play against teams known for merciless defenses, would YOU want to add an extra game to the schedule?
Uh-huh. That’s what I thought.
Thus, while it would be nice to see the SEC add a ninth game just for the sake of adding to the competitiveness of the conference, it isn’t likely to happen any time soon. At least not if Bielema has anything to say about it.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
