The SEC helped engineer the 12-team playoff. The powerhouse conference ruled the BCS. It dominated the four-team playoff. And, it planned to rule this format. Four bids? Five bids? More?

A mirage, the SEC's vision became.

The SEC regressed this season. The conference ain't what it used to be. As the College Football Playoff semifinals arrive, Texas stands as the SEC's lone representative. The Longhorns joined the conference a mere six months ago. They're an underdog against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

For the second straight season, the SEC could produce no team in the national championship game. What gives?

On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams examine the SEC's downfall and how extreme it is. They unpack the reasons for why it occurred – from Nick Saban's retirement to NIL to transfer movement – and they highlight a few teams that stand to fill the conference's power vacuum.

Finally, CFP semifinals picks against the spread!