Conference Realignment: 5 Matchups We Can't Wait to See in the "New" SEC

With all of the realignment talk going on, there is one thing we know for sure, and that's that the SEC is going to change. Texas A&M has already been approved to join the conference, and there is more than likely going to be at least another team to hop on board as well. 

I don't believe that adding a few teams will change much of the SEC matchups we anticipate every year, but let's take a look at the five matchups we can't wait to see in the new SEC.

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LSU vs. Arkansas

This rivalry just recently took off when Arkansas joined the SEC in 1992, and they have played every year since 1996. This game is for the Golden Boot, which weighs a ridiculous 175 pounds, making it one of the heaviest trophies in all of sports.

The last six matchups in this series have been decided by a margin of 21 points, and these two teams are generally two of the best in the SEC. 

LSU leads the overall series 33-20-2 and the battle for the Golden Boot series 9-6 as well.

Auburn vs. Georgia

This game is known as the Deep South's oldest rivalry and for good reason since the first meeting was in 1892. These two teams have played each other almost every year since 1898.

"It's a unique thing. It's like playing against your brother," said Auburn coach Pat Dye. "I don't think anybody who plays in that game can ever forget it. It just doesn't matter much where it's played or what somebody's record is. It's so intense and tough, but at the same time, it's family."

This rivalry is as close as you can get ,as Auburn leads the series 54-32-8 and Georgia leads the total points scored with 1,809 to 1,771.

It doesn't get much better than that.

Florida vs. Georgia

This game has been played nearly every year since 1915 and is known as the "world's largest cocktail party." It's one of college football's greatest rivalries, and since it's held in Jacksonville every year, it's one of the very few neutral-site rivalries in the sport.

There have been several memorable moments in this game. Most recently, Georgia coach Mark Richt sending his entire team out on the field to celebrate a touchdown in a winning effort over Florida. The next season, Florida coach Urban Meyer called two timeouts when the clock was winding down to give Gators fans more time to celebrate the win and Bulldogs players more time to suffer. 

It doesn't get much better than that.

Although Florida has dominated the recent history of the series, Georgia still leads 47-40-2.

Alabama vs. Auburn

Oh yes, the Iron Bowl. It's one of the greatest college football rivalries of all-time, and it doesn't matter who joins the conference—this is one of the most anticipated matchups of the whole SEC schedule.

The name "Iron Bowl" comes from Birmingham's historic role in the steel industry. When you sign up to play for the Auburn Tigers or the Alabama Crimson Tide, this is the first game you circle on your calendar.

The game is normally played during Thanksgiving weekend, and what a treat it is. If you saw the game last year, you have an idea of what I'm talking about.

These two teams have met 69 times, with Alabama leading the series 39-29-1.

Texas A&M vs. LSU

The Texas A&M Aggies versus the LSU Tigers is a great rivalry that use to be played almost every year until 1995. Then, you had to wait for these two teams to meet up in a bowl game or this matchup wouldn't happen.

Not anymore. With the Aggies in the SEC now, this matchup will take place a lot more often and give fans a taste of a classic rivalry game.

Geography and the early emphasis on football at both schools made them natural rivals. Southeast Texas was full of folks with LSU ties, while the reverse could be said of Southwest Louisiana.

This matchup has happened 49 times, with LSU leading the series 27-19-3.