Another new possibility emerged in regard to Texas’ future SEC schedule.
On Tuesday we learned from Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork the SEC could maintain its 8-game conference schedule with a model that includes only one permanent rival.
Under the proposed model, Texas would likely face the Oklahoma Sooners every year. Elsewhere, Texas would face seven SEC teams one year and the other seven teams the next year.
Admittedly, that model raises questions but might be the best option for the new league. Teams like Kentucky, Missouri, Vanderbilt and Mississippi State could be on the outside looking in with many three-rival combinations.
The counter argument against the 8-game alternative schedule involves which rivalry will be protected. Georgia’s primary conference rival is Florida. Auburn’s primary rival is Alabama. That leaves Tennessee without its two premier annual conference rivals.
Kentucky and Vanderbilt will likely both want to face Tennessee. Certainly, Arkansas and Texas A&M will fight over the right to face LSU.
Here’s a look at protected rivalries I would like to see.