Nick Saban, former head coach of Alabama’s renowned football team, seems to have finally gotten his wish regarding the team’s annual matchups. According to a report by On3’s Chris Low, the SEC’s new scheduling model will no longer have the Crimson Tide face LSU on a seasonal basis. Instead, Alabama will answer to Mississippi State every year, along with established rivals Auburn and Tennessee.
In 2023, there was concern when an earlier proposal for a nine-game conference schedule included LSU as a recurring opponent for Alabama. Saban voiced his objection to this plan that year, lamenting the assignment of Tennessee, Auburn, and LSU as their opponents. His primary argument was for a fair balance in selecting the fixed teams.
Historically, the Alabama-LSU matches during Saban’s leadership were highly anticipated, often impacting SEC and national championships. Under the new arrangement, Arkansas, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M will be LSU’s annual opponents.
Interestingly, Mississippi State has been the team Alabama has faced most frequently in the SEC. However, the rivalry favors Alabama, which has consistently dominated the Bulldogs, achieving 88 victories in contrast to Mississippi State’s 17, with a handful of draws. The Bulldogs’ last victory over Alabama dates back to 2007, which was also Saban’s inaugural year coaching the Tide. The traditional clash was temporarily halted in 2023 when the SEC integrated new teams and readjusted its scheduling.
Admittedly, the SEC does not view the current lineup as permanent, with plans to reassess matchups after four years potentially altering fixtures post the 2029 season. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey emphasized that these changes aim for improved competitive balance across the league, outlining a more dynamic approach rather than fixed rivalries.
The transition to a nine-game conference schedule secures Alabama’s key rivalries with Auburn and Tennessee. Had the conference maintained an eight-game structure, some traditional face-offs, like the iconic “Third Saturday in October” clash, might have been at risk. Maintaining these rivalries is vital, as noted by Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne, who stressed their importance to the institutions and fan bases. As the SEC expands, preserving these historic games becomes crucial in maintaining the cultural and competitive essence of the league.