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DALLAS — The talk about what Texas coach Steve Sarkisian called “the pageantry” of the Southeastern Conference filled the Omni Hotel throughout SEC media days.
Coaches lauded the legacies of legendary programs. Players praised the league’s history of churning out high NFL draft picks. Commentators commended the ardent fan support, the rabid rivalries and the unquestioned dominance of a conference that has won 13 of the 18 national titles since 2005, the year Texas quarterback Vince Young got to that corner for the winning touchdown against USC in the Rose Bowl.
More: Already the talk of the town, Texas takes center stage at 2024 SEC media days
But between the lines, what makes the SEC different from the Big 12, which served as Texas’ home conference for 28 years?
When asked that question at media days, SEC folks from all angles talked less about the X’s and O’s than the Jim Bobs and Billy Joes, to update an old college football saying.
The Southeastern Conference has grown from 14 schools to 16, and the two new ones bring impressive credentials. Texas and Oklahoma, which were founding members of the Big 12, have combined to win 11 national championships.
“I think one of the main things is just the talent overall,” said Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate entering his third year as the Longhorns’ starter. “Not to say the Big 12 wasn’t talented, but I feel like in the SEC, there’s a lot more first-round guys. And there’s good coaches that put them in a position to go in the first round.”
Talent unquestionably tops in SEC
Ewers isn’t wrong. The SEC has produced the most first-round picks in 13 of the past 14 years, a testimony to its blue-chip talent. But how does that edge in talent translate to the field? According to the coaches and players, games can come with more…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-oklahoma-differences-between-sec-211656927.html
Author : Austin American-Statesman
Publish date : 2024-07-20 21:16:56
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