There’s been speculation that the Southeastern Conference’s ability to add Texas and Oklahoma will slow down or halt the momentum toward an expansion of the College Football Playoff.

As Lee Corso would say, not so fast my friend.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has been one of the key figures that has helped push the Playoff toward expansion. However, another key figure has been Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby.

Safe to assume those two are not on the best of terms at the moment as the SEC has quickly evolved into the first super league with the addition of Texas and Oklahoma while the Big 12 is currently on life support with the Longhorns and Sooners on their way out of Bowlsby’s league.

In a recent interview with Heather Dinich of ESPN, Sankey shared his belief that the two can continue to work together to help college football’s ultimate postseason tournament expand.

“I do think there’s a level of respect that’s present and will remain going forward,” Sankey said to ESPN. “There are tough times, but those who have been in leadership positions have always been able to work through those elements of our relationships and our work.”

Sankey’s comments came not long after Bowlsby issued some strong words against the SEC, and in effect, toward Sankey.

“Today’s SEC announcement reaffirms that these plans have been in the works with ongoing discussions between the parties and television partner for some time,” Bowlsby said on Thursday. “We are disappointed these discussions went as far as they did without notice to, or inclusion of, other Big 12 members.”