Proposed 2012 13-Team SEC Schedule

I'm sure I'm not the first, and I'm sure I won't be the last, but I thought it was worthwhile to see how hard it actually would be to create a 13-team schedule for 2012. I first defined some strict guidelines that the 13-team schedule must follow, then decided where there was some flexibility. Also, it's important to note that I'm not proposing a sustainable 13-team schedule ... this is a one-off. I can't imagine the SEC going more than one, maybe two seasons with 13 teams.

Guidelines:

1. Current (2011) SEC teams must play all of their current intradivision rivals.

2. Current (2011) SEC teams must play their current annual cross-division rival.

3. Current (2011) SEC teams must play the return trip of their new 2011 cross-division opponent (e.g., Arkansas must make its return trip to Tennessee).

4. Current (2011) SEC teams will not play each other at the same site as their 2011 game.

5. Scheduled new cross-division rivalries for 2012 will be vacated.

Exceptions:

1. Texas A&M is a full member SEC West. However, as the new guys, they will play four SEC West teams and four SEC East teams. This is the biggest shortcoming of the configuration in the short term - Texas A&M's schedule is not well-balanced with the other SEC West teams, and all SEC West teams have a reduced (1/7 rather than 1/6) chance to win the division and advance to the SEC Championship game in Atlanta.

2. Auburn and Alabama are the two SEC West teams that do not play Texas A&M, chosen simply because they have the least geographical proximity to College Station.

3. All 2012 intradivision return trips are at SEC East sites. As a result, all Texas A&M games against SEC East teams are at home, and all Texas A&M games against SEC West teams are on the road. As a result, Texas A&M will play at Arkansas for the second straight year. This is not ideal, but is necessary to keep these existing return trips in place.

2012 SEC East Schedules:

2012 SEC West Schedules: