For so long, Alabama was the bell cow leading the SEC. Crimson Tide fans have struggled to adjust to the reality that, in terms of national reputation, Alabama's recent history is not cited as the SEC's strength but as proof of weakness.
Alabama does not have a major 2026 out-of-conference opponent to change that perspective. ESPN Analytics gives the Crimson Tide an 81.7% probability of beating Florida State. But the Noles were a woeful 5-7 last season. In addition, beating an ACC team gives few SEC teams much in the way of bragging rights.
SEC fans are weary of the persistent claims that the Big Ten is strongest among the Power Fours. Sure, the B1G has earned cred with national championships, but arguably, the SEC is stronger, top to bottom.
Two seasons is closer to a blip than a rock-solid reality, but in the last two seasons, the B1G has won head-to-head over the SEC. As cited by CBS Sports, the record is 10-8 overall and 7-2 in postseason play.
In the last three seasons, Alabama is 2-3 against Big Ten teams. The two wins came over lowly Wisconsin, with the hard-to-forget losses against Michigan and Indiana.
Three important SEC games in Week 2
On Sept. 12, the college football world will focus on Austin, TX, as the Texas Longhorns host Ohio State. The ESPN FPI has the Buckeyes No. 1 and Texas No. 2. Like the Aggies, many Crimson Tide fans may hate Texas, but rooting for Texas to beat the Buckeyes should come easily. The SEC needs a win.
Also in Week 2, the Oklahoma Sooners will travel to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan. The Wolverines are favored, but ESPN's model projects a close game. It could become another big win for the SEC.
According to ESPN's FPI, Minnesota is No. 14 among Big Ten teams. The same source has Mississippi State edging out Arkansas as the SEC's weakest team. The Bulldogs are slight favorites at 51.3% to win on the road over the Gophers. The college football world won't pay much attention, but again, the SEC needs a win.
Add us as a preferred source on Google