It looks like the SEC and Big 12 can live without the BCS. Maybe.
SEC commissioner Mike Slive told reporters that the bowl game between the SEC and Big 12 conference champions could be done either inside or outside the BCS, which is certainly shocking.
Slive said the SEC and Big 12 are committed to the BCS process and won't begin negotiating with television or any bowls to stage the game until it's clear what the postseason looks like.
"It can be in the BCS or outside the BCS," he said. "Obviously we want to be very much a part of the BCS. It's our goal to enhance the postseason and complement what I hope will be a four-team playoff."
Slive is certainly doing his part to facilitate a four-team playoff, as this announced bowl game is certainly one major step in that direction.
There are apprehensions from other conferences, though, such as the Big 10 and Pac-12, who want to use a model that uses each major conference's champion in the tournament.
The SEC wants a playoff to include the top four teams. The Big Ten favors a model using conference champions, something the Pac-12 seems inclined to support as well.
Just this week, the ACC switched its preference to the conference-champion model. Two weeks ago, ACC Commissioner John Swofford told CBSSports.com "the credibility of the system is undermined" if the top four teams aren't selected.
The Big 12 hasn't publicly said what model it supports. Asked if this new bowl means the Big 12 supports the SEC's playoff stance, Slive said: "I certainly hope so. My position hasn't changed on that. I think you'd have to ask them. That's not a part of this."
It would seem logical that the Big 12 would support the SEC in the SEC's playoff proposition after agreeing to this bowl game.
Be sure to continue checking SB Nation Houston for the latest Big 12 and SEC news throughout the summer.