Winners, losers as SEC adopts 9-game schedule: Fans should rejoice, Big Ten loses leverage amid CFP talks

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has adopted a 9-game conference schedule, a decision that will have significant implications for college football. This move comes as discussions regarding the future format of the College Football Playoff (CFP) are ongoing. The adoption of the 9-game schedule is seen as a win for fans, as it will provide more compelling matchups and a more robust conference schedule. However, the decision is considered a loss for the Big Ten, as it reduces the leverage the conference had in the CFP talks. The article suggests that the SEC's decision could influence the direction of the CFP negotiations, potentially leading to a more equitable system that better represents the strength of different conferences. Additionally, the change in the SEC's scheduling format may impact the strength of schedule and playoff considerations for teams in the conference. Overall, the article highlights the significant implications of the SEC's decision, both for fans and the broader landscape of college football.