In retrospect 9 game schedule likely implemented with kicking LSU out in mind

Once LSU is booted Thursday to ensure LSU obscurity the conference will relegate institutions from playing any remaining games against LSU.

Boom, there was a built in extra game this year though, so those teams still play 8 games, (which per SEC bylaws is the minimum required to be considered for the SEC Championship, I made this part up, but those dipshits can’t read anyways so it doesn’t matter.)