SEC schedule changes must result in these 3 annual rivalry games for Florida

The SEC is going to a nine-game schedule, Hallelujah!

After months of rumors, the conference finally decided to jump into the ocean and add an extra conference game. There are a few caveats to this, as each member school will be forced to play at least one non-conference game against a P4 opponent or Notre Dame (unlike the Big Ten, which doesn't have that requirement). 

The Gators already play FSU annually and, surprisingly, the ACC is still considered a P4 conference. Ben already touched on how this could affect the upcoming non-conference schedule AND he also ranked his preference for the Gators' annual opponents. 

For me, this appears pretty cut and dry for the Gators, but in case there was any discussion, here are the three conference opponents that Florida should face each year along with chances that this actually happens. 

Guaranteed permanent opponent: Georgia

The World's Largest Tailgate...errr Outdoor Cocktail Party isn't going anywhere. It's still THE conference game for the Gators and the Bulldogs. It's still THE major sporting event in Jacksonville, ahead of the Monster Jam and the PLAYERS championship. It's still THE most important football game in Jacksonville (sorry Jaguars). It's a staple in the SEC and that will not change.

Chances of Georgia becoming a permanent opponent: 100%, This is a no doubter.

Preferred permanent opponent: Tennessee

I miss the days when Tennessee was that third game on the schedule and the first conference opponent of the season. It was always nice smacking around the Vols to get things started in the SEC. The game has moved around on the schedule over the past 10-15 years, but Florida-Tennessee remains a passionate rivalry game. The only disappointment is that Arch Manning isn't playing for Tennessee, so he can wear the same uniform and experience the same disappointment his uncle Peyton did in the mid-90s. And if this opening from the 1996 game doesn't give you chills...I don't want to know you.

Chances of Tennessee becoming a permanent opponent: 80%. I think both sides want to keep this game, but the Vols probably already have Alabama and Vandy as locks, South Carolina will need a dance partner, Kentucky will need a dance partner. From a distance standpoint, Tennessee could be the option there.

Hopeful permanent opponent: LSU

The first two opponents are obvious. I think most Gator fans want to keep Georgia and Tennessee. That third opponent is a little more debatable. Some will argue for Auburn even though the annual series ended back in 2002 and the teams have only played four times since. Some will argue for Kentucky, which has been an annual game since 1967. But I believe the conference will want to make one of those annual opponents a crossover game from the former SEC West. If that's the case, LSU should be  the opponent. The Tigers have been an annual opponent since 1971. It's a favorite road trip of Gator fans and the series just has too much great history to ignore. I believe if you polled the fanbase, most would say LSU is a game they would not want to see sacrificed.

Chances of LSU becoming a permanent annual opponent: 50-50. It's hard to guarantee anything on that third opponent. LSU seems to have Texas A&M and Ole Miss as its two most likely pairings. But that third opponent can go in a number of directions. Truth be told, I'd much rather the SEC declare two opponents and have that third rotate between 2 or 3 teams over a 4-to-6 year period. And after that six years the conference is likely expanding again. But, I do believe both sides will petition hard to keep this game.