Let’s do some simple math:
There will be 64 SEC Conference games. Even if Vandy goes 0-8 every year, 56 added losses will be incurred.
With Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC, some of the conference’s numerous traditional powers will be saddled with more losses than in the past. Simply put, Mississippi State, Kentucky, Arkansas and South Carolina are not going to absorb all those additional 56 losses.
This presents a real problem to Oklahoma. The Sooners have had 3 periods of marked dominance in their storied history
Bud Wilkinson’s teams in the 1950’s were awesome. Their 47-game winning streak is still an all-time record.
Barry Switzer’s wishbone laid opponents to waste.
Bob Stoops ruled the Big 12.
It is hard to see how the Sooners can ever reach such peaks again in the SEC. The SEC schedule maker wanted to make this point in 2024! Look at OK’s conference schedule.
9/21 Tennessee (the Josh Heupel reunion fest)
9/28 at Auburn
10/12 Texas
10/19 South Carolina
10/26 at Ole Miss
11/9 at Missouri
11/23 Alabama
11/30 at LSU
OMG! OMG! The Sooners could have a very reasonable squad and wind up somewhere between 1-7 and 3-5 against that Murderers’ Row. Exactly who did OU piss off at the SEC office?
Oklahoma has always had the guts of its roster come from Texas. In the NIL era, can OU keep up with the deep pockets of Texas and A&M? We shall see.
In 2027, do not be surprised if Sooner faithful look wistfully at the “old days.” Sometimes, it is preferable to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond. Will those in Norman react in terror when the SEC announces the addition of a 9th conference game when their benefactor, ESPN, sweetens the pot? Stay tuned.