Now that we know the SEC is set to go to a 10-game SEC schedule, we can speculate on the two additional games that the Gators will draw. It leaves eastern Washington, southern Alabama, the state of New Mexico, and the state of Florida, and there are options like Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Mississippi, and Texas A&M.
Florida AD Scott Stricklin confirmed Thursday that the schedule will keep the same eight SEC opponents that were on the original schedule. The eight teams already scheduled and in the original order are Kentucky, Tennessee, South Carolina, LSU, Ole Miss, Georgia, Vanderbilt, and Missouri.
So this is where the fun begins, which two Western SEC teams would be the most likely, which would be the most ideal, which would be the most difficult, and which two additions would be the easiest.
What was supposed to be most likely (Alabama and Texas A&M)
The two teams that remain in the rotation for Florida in the next two seasons have been the most talked about as the SEC’s two additional opponents on the calendar for 2020. Those two teams are Alabama and Texas A&M. Florida AD Scott Stricklin smashed the idea that it will happen automatically when he spoke to the media on Wednesday.
“That was total speculation and saliva.”
Stricklin says he doesn’t care who the Gators will attract like his other opponents, but it’s not something the ADs should push for.
“I don’t think we have a schedule if we sit down and let everyone put pressure on whoever they want,” he said. “They are going to give us the schedule. I am sure it will be fair and equitable. If there are any particular concerns, we will express them once they show us the draft. But I am sure we will be able to find something that everyone feels good about. ”
But for these purposes let’s talk about adding those two teams.
Everyone loves Bama, or at least they say so until they hit the calendar. Still, this could be the year Alabama has to force feed a new quarterback for the long season. They are loaded anywhere else, so be careful what you wish for.
With the Aggies, there are some plot lines that come to mind. Head coach Jimbo Fisher was an arch enemy of the Gators for several years, while he was the head coach in the state of Florida. How about playing on the road and Kyle Trask going to his home state of Texas and racing? Lastly, staying in the post, there have been many competitive fan conversations about TAMU quarterback Kellen Mond and Trask. They could solve it in the field.
The two most difficult additions possible (Alabama and Auburn)
Frankly, they are the two teams ranked the best among the five possibilities. We’ve already talked about Alabama and we know they are loaded everywhere. They will be chosen to win the SEC again in 2020.
Auburn is also talented. The two teams faced each other in a fairly even game a year ago when the Tigers arrived undefeated on the Florida field. This was a great rivalry for the Gators for a long time before the conference divisions were made in 1992. I am one who would like to see this rivalry resume.
The two easiest additions possible (State of Mississippi and Arkansas)
If nothing else, it’s because they both have new coaches after firing old ones and fighting a year ago. MSU seems to have less distance to cover in terms of being better. Arkansas has been horrible for the past few years. I’m not sure I like having both Mississippi schools on schedule (Ole Miss is already there) and I’m not sure about the entire trip it will take for any team I have between Florida and Arkansas. A good warning to play against the Razorbacks is the opportunity to face the transfer of quarterback Feleipe Franks, who left Florida after the conclusion of last season.
The most ideal additions (Alabama and Auburn)
I think with these two you get a good mix. You have the final battle in Alabama and all the obstacles they pose in trying to overcome them. You would go against the king of the hill, which is everyone’s choice to win the SEC in 2020. To be the king, you have to beat the king.
I really wanted to put Arkansas in second place because of Franks’ history. But more than high-level competition, I go back to the rivalry that once existed between Florida and Auburn and I think it would be great to return to that rivalry.
