The fairytale of the SEC ended one week after another in the 2024 college football season. One of the best examples to describe this situation is by looking at how pathetic Alabama Crimson Tide has been this season. They lost to an unraked Vanderbilt. If that was not enough, Kalen DeBoer‘s boys lost to their biggest rivals, Tennessee. Today’s picture strongly suggests how nonconference teams are beating the SEC teams. Let’s learn what college football analysts have to say about it.

The Big Ten Huddle podcast hosts JR and Zack discussed whether the SEC is overrated compared to other conferences, especially the Big 12 and Big Ten. They started by saying, “Okay, then why are you getting beat by mediocre teams from the other conferences?” Zack said, highlighting some of the SEC team’s losses to nonconference teams, such as Wisconsin.

Moreover, they praised Big 12 teams by saying that SEC teams are just “glorified Big 12.” Moving forward, JR said, “Why do you only play eight conference games?” So many SEC teams get away with these 5-2, 6-1, you know, 5-3 records.. because they play only eight conference games. It’s wild for me. You’re just constantly going back and forth, saying who’s good based on SEC internal games, which doesn’t necessarily show overall strength.” 

He highlighted SEC’s scheduling format, which is playing only eight conference games compared to other conferences, which play even nine games. This kind of setup benefits SEC teams to rack up wins and compete against non-conference matchups, often against less competitive teams; that way, it becomes easier for them to win.

How many SEC teams are in the playoffs?

For the first time since 2007, the SEC finds itself in uncharted territory—without a single undefeated team midway through the college football season. The usual juggernauts, like Georgia and Alabama, haven’t locked up their playoff tickets yet, and teams like Texas A&M and LSU are the only ones keeping hopes alive with their unbeaten conference play. The SEC dominance that has defined the playoff picture for over a decade is now more uncertain than ever.

Take Texas for instance—many predicted they would beat Georgia and cement their playoff spot, but Georgia had other plans, securing a critical win. Now Texas finds itself in a must-win situation against Texas A&M to keep its playoff dreams alive. Georgia, on the other hand, faces tough matchups against Ole Miss and Tennessee. If they slip and hit a three-loss record, their playoff chances will be slim to none.

The chaos doesn’t stop there. LSU has crucial games against Alabama and Texas A&M, while Tennessee, who’s been performing solidly, still has to square off against Georgia. The unpredictability of the SEC this season means no team is a lock for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, outside the SEC bubble, teams like Indiana are flourishing, making their mark in a season where powerhouses are faltering. It’s shaping up to be a wild finish, and the SEC’s road to the playoffs has never been more unclear.