(Sports Network) - The Big 12 and Southeastern Conferences have announced a
five-year agreement for their football champions to meet in a postseason bowl
game following the 2014 season.
The first game between the champions of the two conferences will be played on
January 1, 2015. If one or both of the champions are in the new four-team
playoff model, then another deserving team from the conference(s) would be
picked for the game.
"A new January bowl tradition is born," said SEC Commissioner Mike Slive.
"This new game will provide a great matchup between the two most successful
conferences in the BCS era and will complement the exciting postseason
atmosphere created by the new four-team model. Most importantly, it will
provide our student-athletes, coaches and fans with an outstanding bowl
experience."
The two league champions have met twice in BCS bowl games since 1998, both in
BCS National Championship Games. In 2010, Alabama defeated Texas, 37-21, in
Pasadena, Calif., and in 2009, Florida defeated Oklahoma, 24-14, in Miami,
Fla.
The relationship between the SEC and the Big 12 will be like that of the Big
Ten and Pac-12, whose champions play in the Rose Bowl if they are not
committed to the BCS championship game.
"Our goal is to provide the fans across the country with a New Year's Day
prime-time tradition," said acting Big 12 Conference Commissioner Chuck
Neinas. "This is a landmark agreement between two of the most successful
football conferences during the BCS era to stage a postseason event. The
creation of this game featuring the champions of the Big 12 and SEC will have
tremendous resonance in college football."
During the 14-year history of the Bowl Championship Series, the Big 12 and SEC
have combined for 16 appearances in the BCS National Championship Game, with
the Big 12 ranking second behind the SEC's nine appearances with seven trips
to the National Championship Game.
Specific details, including host site(s), will be announced at a later date.
The Sports Network