Author: Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY NETWORK

The threat of an SEC-only football playoff serves as perfect leverage for commissioner Greg Sankey, even if he says that’s not the intent.

We fell into a time machine on Tuesday, when Alabama football coach Nick Saban was discussing a nine-game SEC football schedule again.

Did Nick Saban leave a voicemail apology? That’s the lingering question we would like answered after last week’s Saban-Jimbo Fisher spat.

Nick Saban raised eyebrows when he said recently he’s concerned NIL will disrupt college football’s parity. But hang on, maybe he’s onto something

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey tried to help weaker conferences. With his College Football Playoff proposal rejected, the SEC will continue to dominate.

If Arch Manning can bring Texas “back,” that would catapult even what his grandfather, Archie, or uncles achieved during their careers in the SEC.

Athletes have more control than ever, and college football coaches have less – and that’s the shift the new rules have created that irks them most.

Alabama upgraded its linebacker talent last year with transfer Henry To’o To’o without losing veteran Jaylen Moody. Now, it’s Moody’s time to shine.

Dabo Swinney’s persistent reluctance to embrace evolution within college athletics runs in contrast to SEC programs that are adapting to the changes.

Art Briles should not be employed as a college football coach. Not if you believe character matters. Not if you believe leadership matters.