Gus Malzahn says he's 'not opposed' to a move to the SEC East
It’s just a random Wednesday in April, but Auburn coach Gus Malzahn is getting SEC fans talking with his latest comments.
According to a Tweet from ESPN’s Chris Low, the Tigers football coach is not opposed to his school switching divisions in a theoretical conference realignment.
If the SEC shuffles things, @CoachGusMalzahn wouldn't be opposed to Auburn moving to the East. "I think there will be discussion on that."
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) April 13, 2016
And Auburn beat writer Brandon Marcello jumped in with confirmation that it’s something that some people at Auburn have been willing to consider.
Some Auburn folks have been open to this for a while. https://t.co/ifHOXIlTki
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) April 13, 2016
That’s big news on two levels.
First, it reveals that Malzahn, who should be pretty plugged into the day-to-day conversations of the league’s higher-ups, believe realignment discussions are on the forecast for future meetings.
Second, it shows that Auburn may be a willing participant if a realignment becomes a reality.
Low presents an important stipulation to any divisional changes:
Only way anybody at Alabama or Auburn would be for Auburn moving to the East is if they still played every year.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) April 13, 2016
That’s complicated.
The current format allows for just one permanent opponent from the other division, and the Crimson Tide has a strong rivalry with Tennessee that it’s not interested in losing.
The Tigers obviously would be able to continue their rivalry with Georgia as a new division mate.
Low presents a potential solution in the form of a nine-game conference schedule:
Nine SEC games would solve a lot of problems. Schools on proverbial border of 6 wins don't want it, as long as 6 are needed for bowls.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) April 14, 2016
Strictly from a geographical standpoint, a potential swap of Missouri and Auburn could make some sense.
Stay tuned for more from Low on this subject.