Greg Sankey doubles down on desire for 9-game SEC schedule

As the debate continues around an eight- or nine-game SEC schedule, Greg Sankey doubled down on what he wants. He continued to call for a nine-game slate during an interview with ESPN on Wednesday.

The SEC’s schedule remains at the center of discussion not only in the conference, but also in the College Football Playoff picture. On3’s Brett McMurphy reported the Big Ten will not support a 5-plus-11 format if the SEC doesn’t go to a nine-game schedule. The Big Ten continues to champion a 4-4-2-2-1 model with automatic qualifiers.

Speaking with ESPN’s Heather Dinich at SEC Media Days, Sankey said he continues to support a nine-game slate. He also said he expects a decision in the coming weeks or months.

“I think we should be working towards that,” Sankey said. “My life doesn’t end if we don’t. There’s this absolutist notion that he’s going to dictate what’s going to happen. I think we should have an adult conversation. We should be able to make a decision. I think nine games would promote great interest through the year, but it would be hard to coach. I’ve had candid conversations with coaches. I’ve told them that.”

The Big Ten and SEC have the bulk of the authority when it comes to the future of the College Football Playoff. However, they disagree on what a 16-team bracket would look like.

Under the 5-plus-11 format, the five highest-ranked conference champions would be in the field along with 11 at-large teams. The 4-4-2-2-1 model, though, would give four bids each to the Big Ten and SEC. The ACC and Big 12 would get two bids apiece, the Group of 6 would get one spot and three at-large bids would round out the bracket.

Each conference discussed the College Football Playoff proposals at their spring meetings. In Destin, the SEC shifted its focus toward the 5-plus-11 model, but Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said last week the conference is still backing the 4-4-2-2-1.

Sources told McMurphy there is “no chance” the Big Ten will support a 5-plus-11 bracket if the SEC stays at an eight-game conference schedule. The Big Ten plays nine league games. However, during his opening remarks this week in Atlanta, Greg Sankey said the 12-team format in place – the five highest-ranked conference champions with seven at-large teams – can stay in place if the two sides can’t come to an agreement.

“We had a different view coming out of Destin around the notion of allocations, if you will,” Sankey said. “And I think you’ll probably hear that again from our coaches. The Big Ten has a different view – that’s fine. We have a 12-team playoff, five conference champions, that can stay if we can’t agree.

“I think there’s this notion that there has to be some magic moment and something has to happen with expansion, and it has to be forced. No. When you’re given authority, you want to be responsible in using that authority. I think both of us are prepared to do so.”