DOUBLE STANDARD: SEC Football Scheduling DECISION Could DERAIL Playoff Hopes; Big 10 Has Easier Path
DOUBLE STANDARD: SEC Football Scheduling DECISION Could DERAIL Playoff Hopes; Big 10 Has Easier Path  
Podcast: Locked On SEC – Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast
Published On: Fri Jan 30 2026
Description: SEC football faces a scheduling crossroads—are tough non-conference matchups actually keeping SEC teams out of the playoff? Chris Gordy exposes a glaring double standard between Big Ten and SEC football scheduling, questioning whether the Southeastern Conference is hurting itself by insisting on high-quality non-conference opponents, while Big Ten powers coast in with softer schedules. Insightful analysis spotlights recent playoff selections, the SEC moving to a nine-game conference slate, and how the playoff committee devalues strength of schedule.The conversation heats up with a preview of top 2026 non-conference clashes like Alabama vs. Florida State and Texas vs. Ohio State, contrasted against Big Ten giants dodging major challenges. Plus, Chris Gordy highlights promising recruits including Will Griffin (Florida), Ezavier Crowell (Alabama), and Lamar Brown (LSU), and weighs in on Ole Miss’s latest tampering allegations and major SEC portal moves. Is it time for the SEC to rethink its scheduling strategy in the playoff era? Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.MazdaLike our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.  Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONFanDuelIf you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.