The impetus for the change of heart might be that the College Football Playoff will focus more on strength of schedule according to new criteria announced Wednesday, Marcello wrote. Schools are less likely to be penalized for an additional loss against a particularly tough schedule as they have been in the past when it comes to playoff positioning.

The SEC may be on the verge of a schedule change, according to multiple outlets, and was first reported by Ross Dellenger from Yahoo Sports and On3. According to the reports, the SEC is closer to moving to a nine-game conference schedule.