as much as either of us think when you factor in that ESPN has the rights to both LHN and SECN. One of the reasons I threw Texas out there is because of the name brand factor. As the SEC continues to grow, it will be tougher for them to preserver the 2 important cross-division rivalies; 'Bama-Tenn and Auburn-UGA. People may not realize the only reason the SEC implemented the protected cross-division games back in 1990 was so it could preserve those 2 cross-division games.

It also gives insight as to why the SEC may not look East for expansion candidates. If the SEC were to decide to expand East (i.e. VT and NC State), then the SEC may have a tough time justifying moving Tenn and Vandy to the West Division. The SEC can't move only 1 school because Tenn would be forced to pick between 2 rivals which it wants to be its protected cross-division opponent.

Vandy Moves: Tenn will have to decide between 'Bama and Vandy

Tenn Moves: Tenn will have to decide between Kentucky and Vandy

I am not sure the SEC could switch to a North-South alignment. Although it might be possible given there are 8 schools in the Gulf Coast States that could make up the South Division. Given the history of the region, I do wonder if SEC fans would be upset with the new division names because of the connection they make to the Civil War (or the war that shall remain nameless in some places within the Deep South).