Large Ten vs. SEC problem: Who would win a 16-game showdown? – The New York Instances

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LSU coach Brian Kelly is on the point of coach a mammoth season opener at Clemson. The SEC versus the ACC. Earlier this summer season, nonetheless, Kelly lobbied for the SEC to play a extra wide-ranging collection in opposition to one other league.
“Our first purpose could be eager to play the Large Ten,” Kelly stated, after rising from an SEC coaches assembly in Destin, Fla.
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Kelly laid out what he noticed as the primary motivation: The Large Ten “holds it on the SEC” proper now after successful the final two nationwide titles, however the SEC nonetheless believes it has the deeper league. And what higher approach to discover out than a full-conference problem?
Large Ten and SEC directors have mentioned the thought over the previous yr. Nevertheless it has misplaced traction amid different debates, particularly the showdowns over the Big Ten’s preferred College Football Playoff format and the SEC’s conference schedule.
Nonetheless, what if it occurred? Final yr, earlier than it was formally mentioned, The Athletic engaged in a mock Big Ten-SEC challenge. So let’s run it again.
In our hypothetical problem, our Large Ten-based author (Dochterman) and SEC-based author (Emerson) pretended to be the convention places of work setting matchups. We used a snake draft format, the place the SEC picked the primary crew, the Large Ten picked the crew to line up in opposition to that crew, then the second Large Ten crew, and so forth.
The end result was marquee matchups, in addition to some “unintentional” fascinating video games, similar to UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava dealing with his former Tennessee crew. Purely an accident. No hypothetical affect from tv executives!
After the matchups had been determined, we selected impartial websites. Campus video games are higher, however the function right here is to attempt to divine which groups would win on impartial fields. Plus, selecting these websites was form of enjoyable:
Location: Nashville, Tenn. Nearly an ideal midpoint between campuses, simply over an 11-hour drive from Completely satisfied Valley and simply over a 12-hour drive from Austin. It additionally provides Tennessee Titans followers one thing value watching.
Emerson: Very a lot a prove-it-or-else season for each packages, neither of which received its convention final yr nor has a nationwide title within the final 20 years. For all the skepticism about James Franklin, it’s not like Steve Sarkisian has proven he can shut the deal both. Nonetheless, it is a guess on Texas’ roster, and sure, its quarterback residing as much as the hype. Texas, 31-23.
Dochterman: That is our prime hypothetical Large Ten-SEC matchup and it might find yourself as the actual season’s ultimate sport in January. As of at present, it’s Texas’ potential in opposition to Penn State’s manufacturing. Quarterback Drew Allar has performed in a number of massive video games and has skilled highs and lows. So has Franklin. For the season opener, that hardened edge goes to the Nittany Lions. Penn State, 27-20.
Location: Ann Arbor, Mich. Neither crew has received in The Large Home throughout their gamers’ present tenure, in order that makes it fairly darn impartial.
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Dochterman: I can solely think about the response in Columbus ought to the Buckeyes get despatched to Michigan Stadium twice in a single yr. The matchup itself is implausible, as was their CFP semifinal in 2022. Ohio State loses the nation’s finest line of defense, however returns the nation’s finest two gamers in receiver Jeremiah Smith and security Caleb Downs. It’s a four-quarter brawl, however the Buckeyes pull out a detailed one. Ohio State, 26-23.
Emerson: Georgia has the general expertise and depth to win one other nationwide title. It additionally has sufficient considerations — offensive line, whether or not the run protection will get higher, whether QB Gunner Stockton can avoid mistakes — that there’s miss-the-playoff potential. The Buckeyes appear the safer guess. Ohio State, 27-21.
Location: Denver. It’s a 19-hour drive from each campuses, not that many will need to drive. However Denver climate within the late summer season must be stunning.
Emerson: Kalen DeBoer beat Dan Lanning twice in 2023, in two nice video games. That was additionally Michael Penix Jr. versus Bo Nix. What to make of Dante Moore versus Ty Simpson? It’s sufficient of an unknown that the choose leans on the remainder of the roster, the place Alabama appears to have the benefit. Alabama, 23-20.
Dochterman: Each groups have questions at a number of positions, though they’ve expertise in every single place. One of the best battle is Oregon edge rusher Matayo Uiagaleilei in opposition to Alabama deal with Kadyn Proctor. The Geese dropping receiver Evan Stewart to a critical knee harm in June prevents me from punching that card. Alabama, 26-21.
Location: Memphis, Tenn. In relation to Illinois, most individuals suppose solely of Chicago. In actuality, temperature and accent are the one issues culturally that separate Downstate Illinois from the Mid-South. In fact, Louisiana is completely different from all people else.
Dochterman: This could be acquainted territory for Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer, who grew up in Starkville, Miss. The Illini deliver again 16 starters at all the proper spots from a 10-win crew. LSU returns one of many nation’s prime quarterbacks in Garrett Nussmeier and, as at all times, one of many nation’s finest rosters. Whereas Altmyer is terrific in late-game moments, this one is a bit a lot to deal with. LSU, 31-23.
Emerson: Bret Bielema beat LSU twice when he was at Arkansas, together with in Demise Valley when the Tigers had been a top-10 crew. However he wouldn’t do it this time: Kelly appears to have an urgency to win big this year, and the protection ought to lastly flip a nook, with Harold Perkins taking part in a extra pure edge-rushing spot. LSU, 27-16.
Location: Charlotte, N.C. A reasonably equidistant journey the place the 2 fan bases can meet and talk about whether or not Indiana followers would commerce their CFP look for Florida’s males’s basketball championship, and vice versa.
Emerson: What if the Gators performed Indiana’s schedule final yr? Let this sport be a speaking level, even when this isn’t final yr’s Hoosier crew. Fernando Mendoza did switch over from Cal — SEC groups, together with Georgia, needed him — and he might be simply pretty much as good as DJ Lagway. However the Gators have the expertise benefit elsewhere. Florida, 37-20.
Dochterman: Oh, the Indiana slander just won’t subside south of the Mason-Dixon line. Indiana was the one crew final yr to play each CFP finalists from 2024 (Michigan, Washington) and 2025 (Ohio State, Notre Dame). The Hoosiers led the nation in level differential and run protection. They nonetheless have All-Individuals at three ranges on protection plus Mendoza. Their expertise is on par with Florida with higher teaching. Indiana, 41-26.
Location: Baltimore. It’s solely truthful that the final word “Northern” state faculty performs the final word “Southern” state faculty in essentially the most culturally divided state between the areas. Jadeveon Clowney can flip the coin.
Dochterman: Was there a extra shocking bowl consequence final season than a depleted and offensively challenged Michigan roster de-pantsing a full Alabama squad? The Wolverines showcased loads of their present expertise that afternoon, and I believe it carries over. They’ll have their fingers full with LaNorris Sellers however Michigan’s working sport ought to win the day. Michigan, 24-20.
Emerson: These are two wild-card groups in 2025. Is Michigan, after a yr of post-Jim Harbaugh transition, again in place to be a CFP crew? Is South Carolina, after a shocking yr, due for a fall, or is Sellers simply that good? Michigan, 20-19.
Location: The LAX tarmac, Los Angeles. It’s a giant airport. They will construct a subject. And Lane Kiffin will embrace the storyline.
Emerson: There’s little query on the offenses, even with new QBs. The unknown is whether or not Lincoln Riley has discovered methods to have a serviceable protection. Kiffin did, with Ole Miss rating second within the SEC in defensive yards-per-play final yr. The Rebels did lose quite a lot of gamers off that unit, so it’s no slam dunk. However you simply belief them extra on either side of the ball. Ole Miss, 41-37.
Dochterman: USC was the Large Ten’s enigmatic darling final yr in upsetting LSU within the season opener, then rallying previous Texas A&M within the Vegas Bowl. The Trojans struggled in opposition to many Large Ten foes, however they had been near an excellent season. Ole Miss had a crew able to successful a number of CFP video games final yr had it not (inappropriate metaphor) in opposition to Kentucky. USC wants a extra reliable QB (and it nonetheless might be Jayden Maiava) and an upgraded protection to beat the Rebels. Ole Miss, 38-36.
Location: Kansas Metropolis, Mo. One in every of school soccer’s best rivalries deserves a purple carpet entrance amid a sea of purple whereas complicated TV viewers with the unbalanced purple palette within the background.
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Dochterman: Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola has the identical haircut, arm angles, mannerisms and jersey quantity as his idol, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Each groups have made offseason additions from six-win common seasons, however the Sooners have a deeper pool of expertise and guess on free-agent QB John Mateer to improve their offense. Oklahoma, 38-34.
Emerson: There are causes the Sooners are a lot of people’s pick for a giant bump this season. Mateer, improved and wholesome offensive line and receivers, and a Brent Venables protection. The Cornhuskers are additionally on the upswing, however there are extra tangible causes to choose the Sooners. Oklahoma, 27-20.
Location: Salt Lake Metropolis. Persevering with the theme of groups assembly in Large 12 territory as a result of it’s barely the midpoint, and likewise Large Ten and SEC officers can do scouting for the following spherical of realignment.
Emerson: Two second-year coaches, and Texas A&M’s Mike Elko is coming off the higher first season. However the Aggies wheezed to the end, with 4 losses of their ultimate 5 video games. Whereas Washington went 6-7, three of its losses had been to CFP groups, and all however one loss was on the highway. Washington, 28-20.
Dochterman: Contemplating Washington misplaced 21 of twenty-two starters from a CFP finalist, Jedd Fisch had a terrific season. With doable breakout star Demond Williams at QB plus prime working again Jonah Coleman, the Huskies have fringe CFP potential. That wins out right here. Washington, 34-31.
Location: Munich. Iowa’s robust German heritage and zest for Oktoberfest libations virtually makes this a house sport. Plus, it’s the fortieth anniversary of the uber-close Bo Jackson vs. Chuck Lengthy Heisman Trophy contest so excellent timing.
Dochterman: This has fistfight written throughout it regardless of the Tigers touchdown former Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold. However Iowa lives in that world. With former FCS participant of the yr Mark Gronowski each a working and passing risk, the Hawkeyes pressure a number of turnovers and grind out an Iowa-like victory behind Logan Jones, the nation’s finest heart. Iowa, 24-13.
Emerson: Fairly the distinction in coaches and groups. The Kirk Ferentz-led Hawkeyes, strong and hardscrabble. The Hugh Freeze-led Tigers, able to beating anybody and dropping to anybody. On this one, we’ll go along with the latter. Iowa, 16-10.
Location: Pasadena, Calif. As a result of who doesn’t need to play within the Rose Bowl, the Volunteers have crushed the Bruins there twice earlier than (1989, 1997), and it’s not just like the nominal dwelling crew has nice attendance anyway.
Emerson: The Volunteers most likely aren’t a CFP contender, however they nonetheless have a strong protection, and aren’t actually the Eleventh-best crew within the SEC. (As we stated, allowances could have been made to create a matchup.) The Bruins come by their respective convention rank extra actually, and even on the “highway,” the Vols will present Iamaleava what he’s lacking. Tennessee, 19-10.
Dochterman: This one wants an early night kickoff as a result of Vols followers deserve an opportunity to see the solar setting over the San Gabriel Mountains. UCLA has a stitched-together roster, which implies it could be some time earlier than we see the ultimate model. Tennessee has a greater total roster and all of the motivation lies with Rocky Prime. Tennessee, 31-18.
Location: Chicago. The Navy Pier makes an ideal locale for the Commodores versus “Row The Boat.” As for ticket gross sales, maybe the groups ought to play the sport there, too.
Dochterman: Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia stirred up Northern aggression this summer season by saying in “the Large Ten you’re not going to get beat on with the Purdue, Nebraskas.” Granted, Minnesota isn’t any 2024 Georgia State, however he’ll pay a worth for that one. The Gophers have a set of playmakers, led by working again Darius Taylor and all-everything Koi Perich, who’re greater than able to rolling previous Vanderbilt. Minnesota, 34-19.
Emerson: Pavia is aware of what he’s doing. And Clark Lea is aware of what he’s doing not muzzling his star quarterback, who could make Vanderbilt fascinating on and off the sphere. The ‘Dores even have greater than him: Eli Stowers could be probably the greatest tight ends within the nation, and the defensive entrance seven is nice sufficient to pressure groups to beat them by means of the air. Loads of groups within the SEC might nonetheless do this — however not the Gophers. Vanderbilt, 31-21.
Location: Cincinnati. neutral-site metropolis, throughout the river from Kentucky and SEC territory, and nonetheless a Large Ten state. Not less than till the SEC provides Dayton.
Emerson: Missouri falling this far appears primed for the SEC to steal a straightforward win. The Tigers have had two straight 10-win seasons, and QB Beau Pribula (the Penn State switch) has generated optimistic buzz. Missouri, 33-17.
Dochterman: Whether or not this sport is aggressive or a washout is determined by which model of Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles seems. If he’s correct and may get the ball to underrated receiver Nick Marsh, it could be shut. However I’m not fairly there. Missouri, 31-20.
Location: St. Louis. A five-hour drive for each fan bases and the (no matter it’s referred to as now) Dome is sort of a excellent spot for a mid-tier bowl sport. Contemplate this a trial run.
Dochterman: The Hogs and the Badgers can hoist up a can in honor of their disdain for former coach Bret Bielema, however I’m genuinely curious how Wisconsin followers would abdomen Budweiser merchandise. The Badgers’ newfound girth alongside the line of defense must be simply sufficient to squeeze out a victory. Wisconsin, 38-33.
Emerson: Insert the Spider-Man meme. Not solely do each have the Bielema historical past — Sam Pittman even was on his employees — these are two groups that must be higher than 14th of their conferences, however will not be simply due to the schedules. They should be taking part in a weaker cross-conference opponent, reasonably than one another. One other stroke of dangerous luck for Pittman. Wisconsin, 28-24.
Location: Pittsburgh. Nearly an ideal midpoint, and at this level, that’s all anybody can request. Get in, play a sport, get dwelling.
Emerson: The important thing for Kentucky is a grind-it-out sport the place it makes fewer errors than the opponent. However Greg Schiano-coached groups don’t have a tendency to try this — Rutgers had a conference-low 9 turnovers final yr — and if the Scarlet Knights are even barely higher on protection, they will win this hypothetical sport that we’re analyzing as if it’s truly taking place. Rutgers, 16-12.
Dochterman: Schiano received’t land on any coach-of-the-year ballots, however he’s carried out a terrific job of turning Rutgers’ Large Ten lottery ticket into earned validation. Mark Stoops has elevated Kentucky’s gig in high quality trend over his tenure, too. Maybe to mark the event they may play for a double-sided Gavin Wimsatt jersey to honor each groups’ former quarterback. That’s most likely too cute. As Seth wrote: Get in, play a sport, get dwelling. Rutgers, 19-17.
Location: Philadelphia. Maybe it’s not essentially impartial, however the dwelling of the Liberty Bell will make Mississippi State’s thunderous cowbellers really feel proper at dwelling.
Dochterman: That is the sport that will get relegated to streaming solely, however hopefully there are a number of good highlights for wrap-up exhibits on BTN and SEC Community. I’m occupied with how Maryland five-star freshman QB Malik Washington performs, however it would take greater than that to tug individuals away from the opposite 15 video games. Mississippi State, 27-25.
Emerson: And on the finish, the Large Ten-based author picks the SEC crew, whereas the SEC-based author picks the Large Ten crew. (No touch upon the place the SEC-based author acquired his diploma.) Maryland, 31-10.
Dochterman: I’ve obtained the Large Ten squeezing out a 9-7 win on this jamboree. I’m nonetheless bullish on the much-maligned Hoosiers, possibly much more than final yr, with the Large Ten successful the CFP-potential matchups 4-2. I’ll have picked in opposition to the Terrapins, however they’d nonetheless cease my Western Illinois Leathernecks, which is about 300 enlargement strikes from taking part on this train. I most likely hedged essentially the most on USC-Ole Miss; the Trojans are higher than final yr’s file.
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Emerson: The SEC has a 9-7 edge in my picks, together with 6-2 within the prime half matchups, and 9-4 earlier than you get to the underside three matchups. This may assist the notion that the SEC is deeper — however not that you may by no means take every week off within the SEC. Nonetheless, Arkansas is a tricky out, it simply drew a tricky matchup right here. Kentucky beat Ole Miss final yr and practically beat Georgia. And Mississippi State … nicely, if Vanderbilt’s going to be good, anyone has to take its place.
(Prime photograph: Joe Robbins / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos)
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