Rhett Lashlee doubles down on calling the SEC top-heavy: 'It was a factual comment'

SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee made a few ears perk up in SEC country due to his comments about the league. He pointed out how the same six teams have taken home a conference championship since 1964. “Top-heavy” is the term Lashlee used to describe the SEC instead of “depth,” something you might hear others say.

Less than a week later, Lashlee doubled down on what he said during ACC Kickoff in Charlotte. “It was a factual statement,” he said on The Paul Finebaum Show, diving into the topic a little more.

“It wasn’t a shot at anybody,” Lashlee said. “I spent six hours answering questions at ACC Kickoff Media Days last week. I think I mentioned in about two sentences and that’s what everybody took and ran with. I feel like I’ve got a respect for the SEC… I’ve got a lot of respect for the league. All I said was a comment and unfortunately, it was a factual comment. The same six schools have won that league for the last 60 years. It’s hard to argue parity if that’s the case.”

Lashlee played quarterback at Arkansas before starting his coaching career in Fayetteville. He was eventually a part of Gene Chizik‘s staff at Auburn, helping them win a national championship as a graduate assistant. Three years later, Lashlee was back on the Plains as the OC for Auburn‘s historic run under Gus Malzahn. But now at SMU and playing in the ACC, he is going to do whatever it takes to support his program.

Coaches going to bat for their conference is nothing new in college athletics. Basketball is usually the main culprit as seasons wear on, attempting to boost their own NCAA Tournament resume. More teams from your conference getting into the field helps your program and league immensely. And in the days of the College Football Playoff, football has become similar.

“I’m not necessarily saying the ACC’s better or worse,” Lashlee said. “I think the SEC’s a league I really respect, it’s done great things. But we’re in a day and age where, unfortunately, we’re forced to politic, almost like it’s a contest or a pageant, to get into the Playoff.

“When that’s the case and one league is considered to maybe need preferential treatment for bids because of their depth, we’ve got to look at the facts. It’s not a comparison of league vs. league — I think that argument is not the reason. I think each year, teams should stand on their own production and success.”

The CFP’s future is still up for grabs. Folks from the Big Ten appear all in on the 4+4+2+2+1 model, while the other three power conferences are warming up to 5+11. Dec. 1 is when decisions will ultimately have to be made.

No matter what model gets implemented, Lashlee stands by what he said about the SEC. After all, the 4+4+2+2+1 model would give the SEC two more autobids than the ACC. Something no head coach in the ACC is going to be thrilled about.