As the SEC continues to discuss an eight- or nine-game conference schedule to eventually adjust to the additions of Oklahoma and Texas in 2024, LSU coach Brian Kelly told ESPN on Monday he's in favor of facing nine league teams because he wants "to play the best" -- including Alabama as a permanent opponent.
While nothing has been finalized, the SEC is trending toward a scheduling model without divisions that includes nine SEC opponents (six rotating, and three permanent), and the conference office has sent possible permanent rivals to each school to consider. Kelly said the model he was given for nine SEC teams included Alabama, Ole Miss and Texas A&M as fixed opponents.