The SEC isn’t messing around when it comes to the playoff.

The conference announced Thursday that its members will now play a nine-game conference schedule each season. The Tribune has already taken a look at what that might mean for Missouri football and its three possible annual opponents. More: SEC schedule is moving to 9 games. Who will be Missouri football’s 3 annual opponents?

But here’s another wrinkle from Thursday’s release.

“SEC teams are required to schedule at least one additional high-quality nonconference (opponent) from the Atlantic Coast, Big Ten, or Big 12 conferences or Notre Dame each season.” Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

That shouldn’t surprise anyone. The SEC and Big Ten have been in a “no-we-have-it-tougher” screaming match for muc

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