Should The SEC Stop Scheduling FCS Teams?

By Tony Thomason November 25, 2019

By: Tony Thomas November 25, 2019

Should the SEC stop scheduling FCS teams? This past weekend, five SEC teams played FCS teams on their schedules.

Those SEC teams who are on the cusp of the College Football Playoffs in late November should probably avoid scheduling FCS schools. These teams are not the “resume builders” SEC teams need to crack the top four of the CFP.

Quality Opponent

The playoff committee looks heavily at the strength of schedule as one of their criteria for selecting the playoff teams. Who you play and how good or bad you play against them matters.

These schedules are made years in advance so why not schedule better competition? If not, then schedule FCS teams in August and September.

So last Saturday, five SEC teams played against FCS opponents and outscored them 251-17. In two of those games, Auburn and Vanderbilt shutout their FCS opponents by a combined score of 90-0.

FCS Team Performances from Week 13

Alabama 66 – Western Carolina 3: the Crimson Tide recorded 4 interceptions, allowed only 68 yards rushing and held Western Carolina scoreless until a fourth-quarter field goal.
Auburn 52 – Samford 0: Auburn allowed just 114 total yards. But Auburn QB Bo Nix passed for only 150 yards, while 10 different players rushed the ball.
Kentucky 50 – UT-Martin 7: the Wildcats rushed for 465 yards, but only passed for 17 yards.
Vanderbilt 38 – East Tennessee State 0: the Commodores allowed just 106 total yards, 38 yards rushing and 68 yards passing. Vandy recorded 6 sacks and 12 tackles for loss.
Mississippi State 45 – Abilene Christian 7: The Bulldogs allowed just 27 yards rushing and held Abilene Christian scoreless in the second half.

The Fans Perspective

And don’t forget the fans. They pay hard-earned money, and lots of it, for season tickets. They want to see a good game on the field against good competition. The fan experience is diminished when their favorite team hangs 60 points on a lesser opponent.