by Fitzgerald Cecilio

Destin, FL

SEC commissioner Mike Slive announced that the conference would retain its current eight-game football schedule at least through the 2014 season.

Several factors have forced consideration for a future change, including the SEC's recent expansion to 14 teams, the need for inventory after the league's new deal with ESPN for the SEC Network, the change in postseason format in 2014 to the four-team College Football Playoff, and a playoff selection committee that will likely emphasize strength of schedule.

The Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-12 play nine-game league schedules and the ACC will add Notre Dame for five games each season to add to its eight conference games.

According to Alabama coach Nick Saban, the expansion to 14 schools made a nine-game schedule imperative to retain conference identity. He also he noted entertaining matchups were important to maintain fan interest.

In 2012, the SEC led the nation in average attendance for the 15th consecutive year. But the average (75,538) also dropped for the fourth consecutive year. The SEC has formed a working group to try to address the issue, and Saban said coaches should consider the issue in nonconference scheduling and when considering changes to the conference schedule.

But Vanderbilt coach James Franklin said a move to nine games would lessen schools' desire to schedule meaningful non-conference games.

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Nick Saban Says 9-game SEC Conference Schedule Should Boost Fan Interest