13. Ole Miss at LSU, Oct. 12
By SEC standards, Lane Kiffin has to appreciate what the league office did for him in 2024 as far as scheduling is concerned. The first of three games against top 25 teams for the Rebels, if Ole Miss can topple LSU for the second straight season, a 7-0 start is likely heading into the open week with the playoff conversation beginning to commence. Ole Miss is one of four ranked teams the Tigers battle in Brian Kelly’s third season. The loser of this game still has a shot to reach the playoff with an at-large berth.
12. Tennessee at Georgia, Nov. 16
If the SEC still had divisions, this one would likely decide the East in 2024 unless Missouri had its say. Still, this matchup in Athens could act as a playoff-eliminator of sorts for the loser considering the schedule challenges each of these teams face.
11. Alabama at LSU, Nov. 9
The winner of this SEC tilt reached the league’s championship game in each of the past six seasons, so why would 2024 be any different? For starters, this is not the only matchup the Crimson Tide and Tigers are focused on down the stretch any longer with Oklahoma and Texas in the league along with varied schedules. Both of these teams will face the Sooners after playing each other the second weekend of November.