We asked ChatGPT to realign the SEC conference schedule

Can ChatGPT realign the Southeastern Conference for once Texas and Oklahoma move into the league?

Lance Dawe | May 31, 2023

We asked ChatGPT to realign the SEC conference schedule /

In this story:

Auburn Tigers

Yes, we're asking the AI to do just about everything.

the SEC conference schedule is changing in 2024 when Texas and Oklahoma join the league. There's been an ongoing discussion as to whether or not the format of the schedule changes, how many games in conference play are had, and whether or not certain rivalries are kept for the betterment of the league.

I asked ChatGPT to realign the league (In bold are my questions/paraphrasing my question). This is what it did:

Texas and Oklahoma are moving to the SEC next season. Realign the conference schedule.

"Assuming the SEC maintains its current divisional structure, with East and West divisions, the addition of Texas and Oklahoma would likely require some adjustments to accommodate all teams. Here's a possible realignment of the conference schedule:

East Division:

Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Missouri
South Carolina
Tennessee
Vanderbilt
Ole Miss

West Division:

Alabama
Arkansas
Auburn
LSU
Mississippi State
Texas
Oklahoma
Texas A&M

Initially, it wanted to take Texas A&M out of the league. I told it that couldn't happen. So, it put them back in and we progressed:

What would the conference schedule be?

With eight teams in each division, the schedule could be structured to include divisional play, cross-divisional play, and protected rivalries. Here's a sample schedule format for a 12-game regular season:

Divisional Play: Each team plays all the other teams within their division (6 games).
Cross-Divisional Play: Each team plays two rotating opponents from the other division (2 games).
Protected Rivalries: Teams have one protected cross-divisional rival they play every year (1 game).
Non-Conference Games: Teams schedule three non-conference opponents (3 games).

Teams could rotate their cross-divisional opponents over a certain number of years to ensure fair competition and variety.

What would the protected cross-division games be?

The completed matchups are as follows:

East Division:

Florida (Opponent: LSU)
Georgia (Opponent: Auburn)
Kentucky (Opponent: Mississippi State)
Missouri (Opponent: Texas)
South Carolina (Opponent: Texas A&M)
Tennessee (Opponent: Alabama)
Vanderbilt (Opponent: Oklahoma)
Ole Miss (Opponent: Arkansas)

West Division:

Alabama (Opponent: Tennessee)
Arkansas (Opponent: Ole Miss)
Auburn (Opponent: Georgia)
LSU (Opponent: Florida)
Mississippi State (Opponent: Kentucky)
Texas (Opponent: Missouri)
Oklahoma (Opponent: Vanderbilt)
Texas A&M (Opponent: South Carolina)

So there you have it. The exact same thing the SEC currently has, except there's an extra team in each division.

Earlier you left Texas A&M out your realignment of the SEC. let's say you had to replace Texas A&M with a team. Who would it be?

If we were to hypothetically replace Texas A&M in the SEC realignment, there are various factors to consider, such as geographical location, competitiveness, and historical rivalries. One possible team that could be considered as a replacement is the University of Louisville.

Louisville is located in Kentucky and has a strong athletic program, particularly in football and basketball. Adding Louisville to the SEC would create a regional rivalry with the University of Kentucky, which could generate significant interest and excitement.

However, it's important to note that this is purely speculative, and any actual decision to replace a team in the SEC would be made by conference officials based on various considerations and negotiations. The inclusion of any team in the SEC would involve a thorough evaluation and analysis of multiple factors.

Can you give me three more?

If we were to consider another team as a hypothetical replacement for Texas A&M in the SEC, another option could be the University of West Virginia.

West Virginia University (WVU) has a strong football program and is located in Morgantown, West Virginia. While it is not in close proximity to the current SEC schools, it could bring a new regional dynamic to the conference. Additionally, West Virginia has existing rivalries with several schools in the region, such as the University of Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech, which could potentially translate into new rivalries within the SEC.

Again, it's important to emphasize that this is purely speculative, and any actual decision to replace a team in the SEC would be made by conference officials based on multiple factors, including geography, competitiveness, and other considerations. The inclusion of any team in the SEC would require careful evaluation and analysis.

Clemson University is another option located in South Carolina and has a highly successful football program. The addition of Clemson to the SEC would not only create a regional rivalry with the University of South Carolina but also enhance the overall competitiveness and profile of the conference. Clemson's recent success in college football could bring added excitement and competition to the SEC.

University of Central Florida (UCF) is located in Orlando, Florida, and has emerged as a prominent program in recent years, particularly in football. Adding UCF to the SEC would provide the conference with a presence in a major media market and tap into the growing football talent pool in the state of Florida. UCF's strong fan base and potential rivalries with other Florida-based SEC schools could make it an intriguing addition.

Texas and Oklahoma are moving to the SEC next season. Realign the conference schedule.

What would the conference schedule be?

What would the protected cross-division games be?

Earlier you left Texas A&M out your realignment of the SEC. let's say you had to replace Texas A&M with a team. Who would it be?

Can you give me three more?

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