Greg Sankey shares thoughts on restructuring SEC schedule, conference games

Greg Sankey is always thinking about what’s best for the Southeastern Conference. In an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show, Sankey shared his thoughts on restructuring the SEC schedule, as well as conference games.

“I think we need to engage, from an SEC perspective, in a full analysis of an arrange of scheduling options,” stated Sankey. “And we’re in that process. Looking to bring that to conclusion in May, early June. Around our annual meetings, if not sooner. So that’s step one for us.

“Options include kind of this single division structure. It doesn’t mean we would go to that, but perhaps there are no divisions. If we do that, that needs to be carefully considered. So we’ve seen a little bit of a rush of commentary. That hey, let’s just go ahead and change our expectations for how a conference championship game is conducted. That’s really the rule at play. What do you have to do to have a championship game. Someone said let’s go change that quickly. Well it’s interesting that those who want to change that aspect quickly that ties directly into the post-season, don’t want to look at the post-season and try to address those issues in a timely fashion.”

A single division format would be an interesting change in the SEC. While Sankey stated he’s willing to listen to dialogue, he stated that it’s best not to hastily make a decision.

“So, I’ll take both sides and say good, let’s have that single division format dialogue,” stated Sankey. “Let’s not try to cram it into thirty days if people are unwilling to try to move along earlier on a CFP format.

“Think about the implications for the regular season, the post-season and post-season qualification before we just take a quick vote. So, I look forward to the conversation. In-fact, I’ve communicated that via email to my colleagues that have an interest in moving. I think it’s a worthwhile conversation. But it’s a mid-turn type conversation. Not something that I think we should be doing in the next 30 days. Because there are implications that have to be considered.”

Nevertheless, Greg Sankey believes the rest of the college football world will still be looking up at the SEC regardless.

“Whatever happens, the Southeastern Conference is going to be at the top of the college football pyramid,” proclaimed Sankey. “So, I look forward to whatever formats others might want to adapt to try to compete at that level.”