SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey Advocates for Nine-Game Conference Schedule Amid CFP Selection Discussions
Greg Sankey, the Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), has recently addressed two pivotal topics influencing the future of college football: the potential shift to a nine-game conference schedule and his role on the College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection Committee.
Transition to a Nine-Game Conference Schedule
The SEC has traditionally maintained an eight-game conference schedule. However, Sankey has expressed support for expanding to a nine-game schedule, provided that such a change does not adversely affect SEC teams’ standings in the CFP rankings. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that an increased number of conference games does not lead to more losses, which could harm playoff aspirations.
Sankey’s advocacy for the nine-game schedule is rooted in the desire to enhance the competitiveness of the SEC. He acknowledged that adding a ninth game would raise the level of difficulty but reiterated that maintaining strong CFP résumés is paramount. This perspective aligns with broader discussions within the conference about balancing competitive integrity with postseason success.
Role on the CFP Selection Committee
In addition to his duties as SEC Commissioner, Sankey serves on the CFP Selection Committee, which is responsible for determining the teams that participate in the annual playoff. His dual role has sparked conversations about potential conflicts of interest. However, Sankey has addressed these concerns by emphasizing his commitment to transparency and fairness in the selection process. He pointed out that the committee’s focus tends to be on win-loss records, which can disproportionately impact teams from competitive conferences like the SEC.
Sankey’s involvement in the committee also influences his perspective on scheduling. He has observed that the committee places significant weight on the number of losses a team accumulates. This observation fuels his advocacy for scheduling strategies that preserve teams’ chances in the playoff rankings, especially as the SEC contemplates increasing its conference games.
Proposed Changes to CFP Seeding
Beyond scheduling, Sankey, alongside Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti, has proposed modifications to the CFP seeding format. They suggest that only the five highest-ranked conference champions should automatically secure playoff spots, without guaranteed top-four seeds unless they rank within the top four. This proposal aims to address disparities observed in previous playoff selections, ensuring a more equitable and performance-based seeding process.
Looking Ahead
As the SEC navigates these complex issues, Sankey’s leadership remains crucial in balancing the conference’s competitive interests with the evolving landscape of college football postseason play. The decisions made in the coming months regarding conference scheduling and playoff selection criteria will have lasting impacts on the sport’s structure and fairness.
