The Big 12 Conference recently found itself at the center of a heated discussion following comments made by Alabama head coach Nick Saban on The Pat McAfee Show. Saban’s remarks about the disparity between college football conferences sparked a response from the Big 12, which took to social media to defend its reputation.
Big 12’s Response to Saban’s Claims
In his appearance, Saban stated, “Conferences are not equal. They are not equal in depth of good teams nor are they equal in the quality of the best teams… If Ole Miss played in the Big 12, what would their record be?” This assertion did not sit well with the Big 12, which quickly countered by highlighting Ole Miss’s recent bowl game performances against Big 12 teams. Through its official X account, the conference posted the Rebels’ results from their last three bowl games against Big 12 opponents, cheekily captioning it “Undefeated in hypothetical games.”
Understanding the Bowl Game Outcomes
The results shared by the Big 12 included a 42-3 loss to TCU in the 2014 Peach Bowl, a 21-7 defeat to Baylor in the 2022 Sugar Bowl, and a 42-25 loss to Texas Tech in the 2022 Texas Bowl. While Ole Miss did secure a 40-20 victory over Oklahoma State in the 2016 Sugar Bowl, the Big 12’s message was clear: the conference has held its own against the SEC.
Saban’s Perspective on Conference Strength
During the show, Saban also touched on the inconsistency of performance from both Ole Miss and Alabama, suggesting that such fluctuations are why both teams find themselves on the playoff bubble. He emphasized that “consistency and performance mean something,” pointing out that both programs have suffered losses to teams they were expected to beat, which should carry consequences.
“Consistency and performance mean something, and that’s why in Ole Miss’ and Alabama’s case, they didn’t have the consistency and performance. They lost to teams they probably shouldn’t have lost to and there should be a penalty for that as well.”
The Importance of Conference Strength in Playoff Discussions
With the introduction of the expanded 12-team playoff, discussions surrounding conference strength, strength of schedule, and overall performance have become increasingly significant. The SEC has long been viewed as the premier conference in college football, boasting 12 national championships since 2006 and four of the last five titles. However, this season, the SEC is facing a challenging landscape, with only three teams currently holding fewer than three losses.
As of now, Texas (ranked 2), Georgia (7), and Tennessee (8) are in the playoff picture, while Alabama (13) finds itself on the outside looking in. This raises questions about the SEC’s dominance and whether it can maintain its status as the top conference. Additionally, the playoff rules guarantee spots for the top five conference champions, which could further complicate Alabama’s chances, as the fifth-highest ranked conference champion is currently from the Big 12 (Arizona State).
Big 12 vs. SEC: A Rivalry Beyond the Playoffs
The rivalry between the Big 12 and SEC extends beyond the playoff picture. The Big 12 has seen several of its marquee programs depart for the SEC, creating tension and a sense of competition between the two conferences. In 2011, Missouri and Texas A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC, followed by Texas and Oklahoma in a later round of realignment. This exodus has left the Big 12 in a precarious position, struggling to maintain its stature in the college football landscape.
Despite these challenges, the Big 12 has made strides to remain competitive. This season, the two conferences have faced off four times, with each side claiming two victories. Arizona State’s win over Mississippi State (30-23) on September 7th stands out, but the other matchups involved teams that were not in contention for the College Football Playoff, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the strength of each conference.
The Future of College Football Conferences
As we look ahead, the dynamics between the Big 12 and SEC will continue to evolve. The impact of conference realignment, playoff expansions, and the ongoing debate over conference strength will shape the future of college football. Fans are left to wonder: How will these rivalries play out on the field, and what will they mean for the future of college football? The answers remain to be seen, but one thing is for sure—this rivalry is far from over.
In the ever-changing landscape of college football, the discussions surrounding conference strength, playoff eligibility, and team performance will remain at the forefront. As teams gear up for the remainder of the season, all eyes will be on how these rivalries unfold and what implications they hold for the future of the sport.
