I know, I know, nothing will ever equal the good old days before Mizzou and A&M joined, or even the really good, really old days before Arky and South Cackalacky joined, but those days aren’t coming back. Let’s focus on what we’re gaining from the SEC realignment.
1. We will finally feel like we’re in the same conference as the former west division schools other than Alabama. Right now, Miss State and Arkansas feel like they might as well be in the American, we play so little. It will be great to play everyone instead of just the same boring slate of UK, Mizzou, Vandy, SCe and the big three. Auburn could become a rival again. We’ll get to have regular matchups with ole Laney, with all the drama and acrimony that comes with them. Sign me up.
2. More big games. How can you look at that Oklahoma game for the SEC opener and not be excited? Up until this point, Tennessee and Alabama were the only true, historic blue-bloods in the conference (you can throw UGA in there too with their impressive all time win total and recent championships). Now we’ll have not just three but five of the top-ten all time programs. I for one am thrilled that we’ll be facing OU and UTjr regularly. I could even see the latter becoming a minor rivalry.
Anyway, I think there’s a lot to be positive about. Whatever may be detrimental about realignment, it will certainly result in more of what we all love — compelling, meaningful football games. Big matchups. Bring on the new era, I say.
What say you?
