SEC's Spot in the Rose Bowl: Traditions and Exceptions
The Rose Bowl is historically a tournament reserved for the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences. However, in recent years, the College Football Playoff (CFP) has made this bowl game more flexible, offering opportunities for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) to participate under specific circumstances.
CFP Era and Rose Bowl Participation
Starting from the 2015 season, the Rose Bowl has been one of the CFP semifinal venues every three years. This unique arrangement has allowed SEC teams to play in such a high-profile game. For instance, in the 2021 season, Alabama, an SEC powerhouse, made it to the Rose Bowl as part of the CFP semifinals, showcasing the potential for SEC teams to secure a Rose Bowl berth.
The Rose Bowl's participation in the CFP has led to some fairly unique outcomes, such as the memorable game in the 2017 season when Georgia, an SEC team, defeated Oklahoma 54-48 in double overtime. Georgia became the first SEC team since Alabama in 1946 to play in the Rose Bowl. This was significant as Georgia had previously played in the Rose Bowl in 1943, winning 9-0 against Michigan to claim the 1942 national championship.
Traditions and Format
The majority of the time, the Rose Bowl reverts to its traditional format, pairing the Pac-12 and Big Ten conference champions. However, in the years where the game is not part of the CFP, it typically adheres to this traditional setup. This format ensures a competitive and predetermined matchup every year, based on the national standings of the two conferences.
Some might argue that the Rose Bowl is an even rarer occurrence for SEC teams, with the most well-known exception being the 2017 game. In that year, the format of the CFP required the Rose Bowl to pick a team from a coalition of four, which might have been the Cotton Bowl attendees. The choice of Georgia over the likely candidates (Ohio State and USC) was more of an anomaly than a norm.
Historical Context and Trends
The tradition of the Rose Bowl being dominated by the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences dates back to its inception. Over the years, while the Bowl Alliance and later the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) aimed to include more top teams, the SEC's participation remained sporadic and often unpredictable.
The introduction of the CFP has changed these dynamics. It has created a more open and dynamic environment, where top SEC teams can compete for a spot in the Rose Bowl. While this has opened new possibilities, it has also brought an element of unpredictability to the game's traditional setup.
Conclusion
In summary, while the SEC has not traditionally had a guaranteed spot in the Rose Bowl, they have had the opportunity to participate under certain circumstances, particularly during the College Football Playoff era. The CFP has created more flexibility, making it possible for SEC teams to showcase their talents in this prestigious game. However, the typical setup still favors the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences in years not included in the CFP rotation.