Which teams will suffer due to division-less college football?

1. Florida would have to contend with teams in the SEC West

The Florida Gators had their hands full with having to topple Georgia in the SEC East. Without divisions, Florida’s protected rivalries could include Alabama or LSU. The Cocktail Party against Georgia and their annual game against Florida State are Florida’s two biggest rivals.

The Seminoles are a non-conference game that leaves two protected rivalries in the conference. Tennessee is likely the other protected rival with Georgia; the third rivalry is up for grabs. The SEC would probably have one of Florida’s protected rivalries from the former SEC West.

The conference could decide to add Oklahoma or Texas despite the lack of ties with the Gators. If the conference wanted to go the traditional route, LSU could be Florida’s third protected rival. The Tigers and Gators are charter members of the SEC, joining in 1932.

Alabama as a protected rival is about championships. The Gators and Tide have appeared in more SEC Championship games than any other two schools. In addition, the Gators and Tide have won more conference titles in the SEC during the divisional era.

Florida could have a tough road getting to a conference title game, depending on who those protected rivals are.