Over the last several years in college football, one of the most widely discussed talking points surrounding the Southeastern Conference has been the schedule within the league.

While most Power Four conferences have been on a nine-game schedule for years, the SEC has held firm at eight and contended that they did not want to be punished when it comes to College Football Playoff rankings due to a naturally more difficult schedule for its teams than say the ACC or Big 12.

For years, the SEC has said it would go to nine games once they are given assurances that schedules would be weighed properly rather than just record and straight wins and losses being compared against teams with more favorable schedules.

But this week, the CFP committee revealed a statement that they would be weighing strength of schedule much more significantly in their decisions.

In what was likely no coincidence, the SEC just a day later revealed they are changing to a nine-game slate.

“Adding a ninth SEC game underscores our universities’ commitment to delivering the most competitive football schedule in the nation,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “This format protects rivalries, increases competitive balance, and paired with our requirement to play an additional Power opponent, ensures SEC teams are well prepared to compete and succeed in the College Football Playoff.

“The SEC has established itself as the leader in delivering the most compelling football schedule in college athletics. Fans will see traditional rivalries preserved, new matchups more frequently, and a level of competition unmatched across the nation.”

As a part of the schedule, each team will have three permanent rivalries, preserving games like the Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn, the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry between Auburn and Georgia, and the Third Saturday in October between Alabama and Tennessee.

In addition to the three annual games, the six remaining games will be played on a rotating bases with every program facing each other at least once every two years and every opponent home and away over a four year period.

For the fans who desire more meaningful games, this is a huge victory.

Clearly, the conference is confident enough that it will not hurt them from a playoff perspective, and it should be good times ahead in the SEC.