4. Alabama vs. Auburn
It’s just part of the SEC deal. The headlining act comes on last, but not this year with the annual Alabama vs. Auburn Iron Bowl being played in Tuscaloosa on November 28th – the second-to-last week of the season.
This could be playing with fire.
Not to keep bringing up the Big Ten – it’s obviously having issues in so many areas – but it planned to get Michigan vs. Ohio State out of the way early. It might have been anticlimactic if it happened, but it also was safe. If for some reason the biggest game of the season couldn’t go, there was time at the end to make it up.
If Alabama vs. Auburn doesn’t work, then it’s possible to ditch the final regular season game for both on December 5th, but that’s a problem, too. Bama going to Arkansas likely won’t make any difference, but Texas A&M coming into Auburn will matter.
Again, here’s where the league might have to be flexible. It might have to be forced to keep December 12th open, just in case, but if there’s another lost game early on in the season, there’s just no space to make up the giant rivalry.
More on that in a moment. For now, get ready for …