Sankey hopeful of SEC schedule format decision

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey hopes league leaders can resolve the issue of whether the SEC should use an eight- or nine-game conference schedule format.

"I would prefer to not continue to circle the airport with the airplane," Sankey said Monday, according to ESPN's Alex Scarborough.

He added: "A league at the forefront of college athletics does not stand still."

Sankey declined to offer his opinion on the matter but said he has "made clear" where he stands to the conference members. The SEC spring meetings are slated to begin later this week, though the commissioner didn't confirm whether a vote would take place at the event.

The issue of an eight- or nine-game conference slate was originally brought up at last year's SEC spring meetings, but no decision was made. The two options involve an eight-game schedule made up of one permanent opponent and seven rotating ones, or a nine-game slate consisting of three locked-in foes.

Factors that'll influence discussions include bowl eligibility, television revenue, keeping rivalry games, and the College Football Playoff expansion to 12 teams, among other reasons, per Scarborough. The potential elimination of divisions will also play a part.