re: If SEC stays with 8 team SEC schedule for 2025

Yes, Alabama-Tennessee could be scheduled as a non-conference game, but it won't be. That would cause each of them to play one more SEC opponent than everyone else, even if it doesn't count as a conference game.

That game, along with Auburn-Georgia, was the only reason the SEC has had a permanent opponent from the other division all these years. The tail wagging the dog.

That is not going to change. Those schools want it, the SEC office wants it, and ESPN wants it. It would be very surprising if they don't play on the 3rd Saturday in October, and then the Iron Bowl to end the season.