Wildcat Blue Nation
Fansided

Alabama and South Carolina did no favors for the SEC football crowd who said they needed more teams in the CFP

ByDrew Holbrook|
Dec 31, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore greets Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen Deboer after the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Dec 31, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore greets Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen Deboer after the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Southeastern Conference has long been the gold standard of college football, priding itself on unmatched competition and a legacy of championships. But this bowl season, the SEC’s bark didn’t quite match its bite—particularly for two teams that were most vocal about being left out of marquee bowl games.

The Pre-Bowl Outrage

When the bowl selections were announced, the SEC’s collective grumbling reached a fever pitch. Indiana and SMU, teams from conferences the SEC often derides, received invitations that some SEC programs believed they deserved. Ole Miss, Alabama, and South Carolina were at the forefront of the complaints, arguing their body of work was more deserving of recognition.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Despite their protests, the two SEC teams making the most noise about their perceived snubs—Alabama and South Carolina—failed to deliver on the field.

  • Alabama vs. Michigan (ReliaQuest Bowl): The Crimson Tide, a perennial powerhouse, entered the game with something to prove. But Michigan smothered Alabama’s offense, securing a 19-13 victory.
  • South Carolina vs. Illinois (Cheez-It Citrus Bowl): The Gamecocks faced Illinois, a team from the Big Ten, and struggled mightily in a 21-17 defeat. Illinois' gritty defense and opportunistic offense stymied South Carolina, whose vaunted SEC swagger was nowhere to be found. Shane Beamer’s squad couldn’t capitalize on key opportunities, leaving their bowl aspirations unfulfilled.

A Tale of Missed Opportunities

While the SEC teams faltered, Indiana and SMU both lost as well. Clemson dominated early only to see SMU close late but fall 34-31. Indiana meanwhile also was dominated early to close the game to 27-17 with Notre Dame advancing.

The irony? The SEC, known for its dominance and boasting about its superiority, was undone not by its rivals but by its own inability to deliver in key moments. With Alabama losing to Vandy and Oklahoma, and Ole Miss losing to Kentucky.

Lessons Learned

This year’s bowl season should serve as a wake-up call for the SEC. Complaining about perceived snubs is one thing; proving your worth on the field is another. If you’re going to claim superiority, you’d better be ready to back it up on the field.

For Alabama and South Carolina, it’s back to the drawing board. For Indiana and SMU, it’s validation. And for the rest of college football? It’s a reminder that bowl season isn’t won with words—it’s won with results.

Home/Kentucky football