Two divisions of 7 members makes 9 game conference schedules preferable. The SEC has a mandatory yearly set cross division opponent as well. Arkansas has Missouri as its set yearly cross divisional opponent. Missouri should be in the SEC West anyway.

Arkansas use to go to East opponent's home field every 5 years with 12 teams. Now it is 12 years with 14 teams.

Every time a 9 game SEC conference schedule is suggested, every SEC coach but Saban rapidly nixes it. Saban wants the 9 game conference schedule.

The SEC front office sent out directive right before the 4-team playoff began telling each SEC school to schedule at least one P-5 opponent yearly.

I don't know how the ACC schedules cross division opponents within their 8 game conference schedule? Sounds bad from what you say. They surely need the 9 games just like the SEC.