Game theory does suggest that cooperation is often a better strategy than exploitation. The SEC better be careful. With one hand, they pushed to expand the playoff while, simultaneously with the other hand, they worked a deal to add Texas and Oklahoma. They knew they were adding those teams while they tried to convince the other conferences to expand the playoff. That was some dirty pool.

All I'm suggesting is that if other conference leaders eventually reach a point of frustraton with the SEC, they still retain sufficient power (collectively) to do something about it. They could lock out the SEC with regard to non-conference scheduling. They could create a post-season coalition and set their own rules.

As powerful as the SEC is, they are not all-powerful. If the other conferences joined together and did this, the SEC would have to stop acting like complete dicks or they would essentially just have a 18-team (probably would expand to 20-team) league that plays with itself.

Again, this is my fantasy solution. I realize it won't happen. GT, Clemson, and FSU don't have the balls to stand up to their in-state politicians who would pressure them to maintain their traditional in-state rivalry games. The Big10 would likely be torn. It is a quality conference with legit elite programs -- like Ohio State and possibly now Michigan. Do they want to be the tallest person at the kid's table or go sit at the grown up table with the SEC schools?

It would be impossible to make it happen. I just think this latest dual action (push to expand playoff while poaching elite programs from another conference) was so gross and self-serving that I'm kind of done with the SEC.
[Post edited by Pride_and_Joy at 01/06/2022 7:16PM]