As bowl season gets underway, some Alabama football fans may feel conflicted, especially with the Crimson Tide missing out on the College Football Playoff. However, there are plenty of reasons for Alabama supporters to cheer for SEC teams during the postseason, even if it means rooting for rivals like Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee.
Why Root for the SEC?
While it might feel strange for some to support other SEC teams in the postseason, there’s a bigger picture to consider. If SEC teams can rack up wins in bowl games, it reinforces the conference’s dominance and adds more credence to the claim that it’s the toughest league in college football. Last year, the SEC posted a 5-4 postseason record, with Alabama’s loss to Michigan in the College Football Playoff semi-final among the defeats. The year before, the conference did better with a 7-5 record, boosted by Georgia’s two playoff victories.
A successful postseason for SEC teams would further prove how challenging it is to compete within the conference, showcasing the depth and strength of SEC football to the nation.
SEC Teams in Bowl Action
The SEC has 13 teams in bowl games this year, and while Auburn, Kentucky, and Mississippi State won’t be part of the postseason, the remaining teams have a chance to make noise. Here’s a look at the upcoming games for SEC teams:
- Dec. 14: Jackson State vs. South Carolina State (Cricket Celebration Bowl); South Alabama vs. Western Michigan (IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl)
- Dec. 20: Florida Gators vs. Tulane (Gasparilla Bowl)
- Dec. 21: Texas Longhorns vs. Clemson Tigers; Tennessee Vols vs. Ohio State (CFP Playoff)
- Dec. 27: Oklahoma Sooners vs. Navy (Armed Forces Bowl); Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Georgia Tech (Birmingham Bowl); Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Texas Tech (Liberty Bowl); Texas A&M Aggies vs. USC (Las Vegas Bowl)
- Dec. 30: Missouri Tigers vs. Iowa (Music City Bowl)
- Dec. 31: Alabama vs. Michigan (ReliaQuest Bowl); South Carolina vs. Illinois (Citrus Bowl); LSU vs. Baylor (Kinder’s Bowl)
- Jan. 2: Ole Miss Rebels vs. Duke (Gator Bowl)
- Jan. 1: Georgia Bulldogs vs. the winner of Notre Dame vs. Indiana (CFP Playoff)
SEC Playoff Picture
While Alabama isn’t in the College Football Playoff this year, other SEC teams are carrying the flag. Georgia will play the winner of the Notre Dame vs. Indiana game, and Tennessee faces Ohio State on Dec. 21. These high-profile matchups offer more opportunities for the SEC to shine.
Conclusion
While it’s understandable if Alabama fans feel let down by missing out on the Playoffs, rooting for SEC teams in bowl season is in the Tide’s best interest. A successful postseason for the SEC could strengthen the league’s national reputation and prove just how difficult it is to thrive in one of college football’s toughest conferences. So, this bowl season, Crimson Tide fans may want to put aside the rivalry and pull for the SEC to finish strong.
