SEC Must End November Cupcake Games to Protect CFP Integrity

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has been catching some heat lately for scheduling non-conference “breather” games late in the season. Critics say this gives SEC teams a leg up before rivalry games and the postseason.

Other Power Five conferences are out there battling it out in November. Meanwhile, the SEC’s approach could shake up College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings in ways that aren’t exactly obvious at first glance.

This whole thing has stirred up plenty of debate, especially among fans who care about the playoff picture and the bigger college football scene.

The SEC’s “Breather” Games: A Strategic Move?

Every November, just as other conferences are deep in tough matchups, the SEC lines up games against smaller non-conference teams. You’ll see names like Samford, Eastern Illinois, Mercer, and Western Kentucky pop up on SEC schedules during this stretch.

People call these “body bag” games for a reason. The idea is that SEC teams get a break, rest up, and prep for the real battles ahead—think rivalry showdowns or postseason runs.

Impact on CFP Rankings

The timing of these games? It’s gotten folks talking about how they might mess with CFP rankings. The selection committee is supposed to look at the whole season, weighing the quality of wins and losses.

But if you’re watching the SEC stack up easy wins in November, you might start to wonder if the process is really all that fair.

Key Points of Contention:

• Competitive Advantage: SEC teams can dodge tough conference games late in the year, maybe giving them fresher legs when it counts.
• Perception of Strength: Racking up wins against weaker teams might make an SEC program look better than it actually is.
• Impact on Seeding: There’s a chance the committee could ding SEC teams for this, which might mess with their playoff seeding.

Comparing Conference Schedules

The SEC’s strategy stands out, but it’s worth looking at how other Power Five conferences handle things. The Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC usually keep the pressure on with competitive games all the way through November.

The Big Ten and Big 12

Both the Big Ten and Big 12 play nine conference games each season. The SEC only plays eight.

This means Big Ten and Big 12 teams have a tougher road, with fewer chances to catch their breath. Late-season games in those leagues are often make-or-break for playoff hopes.

The ACC’s Approach

The ACC might not get as much hype for having the hardest schedule, but it doesn’t schedule easy non-conference games late in the year either.

Instead, ACC teams usually face conference rivals or other solid opponents, keeping things exciting right up to the end of the season.

Potential Changes on the Horizon

The SEC’s scheduling habits might not last forever, especially as talk continues about expanding the CFP. The SEC’s pushing for a 16-team playoff, while the Big Ten has tossed out the idea of 24 teams.

If those changes happen, late-season games might matter in new ways, and the SEC’s current edge could fade a bit.

The Role of the Selection Committee

The CFP selection committee has to weigh a lot of things, including when and who teams play. If they start penalizing teams for weak late-season opponents, the SEC could be forced to rethink its approach.

The committee’s focus on “good wins” and “good losses” just makes every game count that much more.

If you want to dig deeper, check out USA Today’s article on SEC football scheduling.

Conclusion: The Future of College Football Scheduling

The SEC’s late-season scheduling has sparked plenty of debate. It’s a reminder of just how tough it is to keep things fair and competitive in college football.

Scheduling isn’t just about logistics—it’s shaping playoff rankings and even how fans feel about the game. As the sport changes, these choices matter more than ever.

Maybe the SEC will have to rethink its approach. Will the CFP or conferences tweak their rules? Hard to say, but the stakes are high when it comes to keeping college football honest and exciting, especially down the stretch.