SEC loses few annual rivalries, but coaches 'get it'

"During six-plus decades, that annual matchup has had some intense, dramatic moments, such as Kelly's gamble on a do-or-die, 2-point conversion to end overtime in 2022. Jayden Daniels connected with Mason Taylor, and rapturous fans spilled onto the field in Tiger Stadium. Under a new scheduling format released by the Southeastern Conference this week, LSU and Alabama won't play in 2027 -- the first time that's happened since 1963."

"But the LSU coach added that he also appreciates the SEC's goal of having all 16 teams play one another at least once every two years, and how that might mean sacrificing some popular annual fixtures. "You're going to pull some of those natural rivalries, but you're not losing them for a long period," Kelly said. "They managed this and put this in a spot that allows you to play everybody home and away [within a four-year span], and I think that's pretty exciting.""

"While he agreed with keeping LSU and Mississippi State on the Rebels' schedule each year, he said the inclusion of Oklahoma as an annual opponent was "disappointing" and "doesn't make any sense -- at all." "We don't have anything in common with them or our fans," said Kiffin, whose program will lose Vanderbilt as an annual fixture on its schedule. "That's unfortunate with so many great teams that we've played for a long time"

The Southeastern Conference adopted a four-year scheduling format that rotates opponents so all 16 teams play each other at least once every two years. The format causes LSU and Alabama not to meet in 2027, marking the first missed season between them since 1963, and results in LSU not facing Florida next season for the first time since 1970. Brian Kelly acknowledged fan unease but praised the schedule's balance and the opportunity to play every team home and away within a four-year span. Lane Kiffin criticized the decision to make Oklahoma an annual Ole Miss opponent, calling it disappointing and mismatched for fans.

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