Will the SEC Repeat History with the Pandemic

The SEC money maker

The NCAA is all about making money for the schools in a variety of Conferences. Most of the money is absorbed through TV offers and scholarships.

Hypothetically speaking, if just one team could not contribute 100% to their schedule this would mean losing a lot of money. This could not just hurt that school but also have a adverse effect on the whole Conference. The first few games are usually out of Conference so it’s easier for the SEC to find a new opponent. Once the season gets into Conference play this could be devastating.

A team would have to sit out due to the team in high alert whereas if it was out of Conference play that team could find another opponent that has the same situation. This is already taking effect due to Alabama and TCU playing PAC12 opponents which might start season in lockdown. When it comes down to it there should not be a problem for the SEC to continue if a school could not play. At the same time when the SEC says they are continuing every school would try their hardest to compete during Conference play.

This situation happened during WW2

In 1942 most college football teams were losing roster players and coach personnel due to the war. The Florida Gators had a huge hit in upperclassmen but continued their 3-4 season against undefeated Georgia. Georgia still had key contributors due to draft deferments issued to players inrolled in the ROTC program. The Georgia Bulldogs crushed the Gators 77-0 in the series’ biggest loss to date.

The Georgia Bulldogs went on to beat UCLA in the Rose Bowl and win the national title in 1942. The Florida Gators never won another game due to losing to many players to the war.

The following season many teams dropped out. Keep in mind there was no contractual obligations and big money games during this period. The Florida Gators and the Tennessee Volunteers decided to not play for this reason. In 1943 it wasnt just the SEC that had teams drop out because it was everywhere. This could still happen today.

Conclusion

There is a chance some universities could not open by season’s start. At least it will be during inter-conference play. By the time Conference play begins there should be no problem having every team participating in the season. There is to much money in stake but there are also lives at stake too.

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