Okay, so here’s the thing about Greg Sankey and all this college sports chaos. He’s always yapping about the difficulties of getting a bunch of people to agree on something. I mean, I get it, too many cooks and all that. And now, with the College Football Playoff negotiations rolling in, it’s kinda like his theory’s getting tested. But you know what? I can’t help but feel like we’re just going in circles here.
These days, they’ve downsized those big rooms — probably hoping a smaller crowd means quicker answers. But here’s the kicker: really, we only need Sankey and Tony Petitti from the Big Ten in the room. I’m serious. Everyone else just complicates it. The SEC and Big Ten got tired of needing everyone’s blessings to do things. Honestly, same.
Now, they’ve got this new deal, giving them more say-so. But can they get along? Yeah, about that… there’s this whole thing where SEC’s stuck in debate land over whether to go from eight to nine conference games to match the Big Ten. It’s like, can we move on already? Big Ten’s like, “Yo, we thought we were cool?” Guess not.
Big Ten’s been clear: they want automatic qualifiers from conference stands and little play-in games. Doesn’t really matter if it’s 14 or 16 teams. But SEC? Oh, they’ve got a different idea — a 16-team bracket with a mix of conference champs and at-large spots. Ego boost, anyone?
Honestly, there’s this lack of trust in the selection committee process. Nothing personal, they’ve just got doubts. Fair, considering Michigan’s guy was chair last year and it didn’t quite cut it for everyone.
Sankey and SEC want their strength recognized — like, showing off six pages of their greatness. Sure, go ahead. But Big Ten’s chill about it, preferring silence over grandstanding.
Thing is, Big Ten’s open to SEC’s idea — if SEC plays nine conference games. Fair trade, right? Except, SEC’s worried about extra losses. Guess who’s been in that boat? Yup, Big Ten.
If the chatter about the 5-11 model’s serious, they better buckle up for nine conference games. That’s the Big Ten’s non-negotiable.
Imagine last year with 16 teams — SEC would’ve had six in. Just widening the bracket might just keep both happy. Petitti’s dream of a snazzy championship weekend might just get a bit dinged without AQs, but hey, better something than nada, right?
And let’s face it, this AQ talk isn’t thrilling folks outside these big leagues. SEC’s tried playing the savior card, guiding the Big Ten away from their not-so-loved AQ idea. Big Ten’s tossing the ball back: “Play nine games already!”
They’ve got another pow-wow in June. But Sankey and Petitti, they need a heart-to-heart, like soon. They’ve boasted about needing more say and then not agreeing? Now that’s awkward city.
Alright, it’s showtime, gentlemen. Make it work.
