New SEC schedule could scrap one of Florida’s classic rivalries

Oct 12, 2024; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier reacts during a game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brianna Paciorka/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | Brianna Paciorka/USA TODAY Network via Imagn ImagesStarting next season, the SEC is slated to move to a nine-game conference schedule. Each school is going to have three permanent opponents they will face every year, and the other six games will rotate through the rest of the conference. In theory, everyone will host everyone and vice versa over a four-year cycle, meaning the Gators finally get to play Auburn again.

But the new format is also going to put strain on some…