The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has shaped college football for decades, but it’s gone through plenty of changes and lost some notable programs along the way. In this post, let’s dig into the stories of three former SEC members: Sewanee, Georgia Tech, and Tulane.
Each school left its own mark on the conference before moving on. From Sewanee’s wild 1899 road trip to Georgia Tech’s fierce rivalry with Alabama, and Tulane’s tricky balancing act between academics and athletics—there’s a lot to unpack.
The Early Days: Sewanee’s Legendary Road Trip
Back in 1899, Sewanee football manager Luke Lea had a serious problem to solve. His squad, led by coach Billy Suter, had to set out on a brutal week-long road trip across the South, facing five tough opponents.
This marathon journey, including a matchup with the Texas Longhorns, happened because a game with Vanderbilt was canceled. That game had been Sewanee’s biggest hope for making some money that season.
The Unforgettable Journey
Even with all the travel headaches—like losing their cleats at one point—Sewanee pulled off something incredible. They won all five games, shutting out every opponent 91-0 over just six days.
People still talk about it as one of the wildest road streaks in college football history. Captain Henry “Ditty” Seibels, who’d end up in the Hall of Fame, was at the heart of it all.
The Decline and Departure
But by the late 1930s, Sewanee just couldn’t keep up with the bigger, stronger public schools in the SEC. New rules about substitutions and scholarships made things even harder.
Between 1933 and 1939, Sewanee didn’t score in 26 of 37 SEC games. It was rough. They finally left the conference on December 13, 1940.
Now, Sewanee plays in the Southern Athletic Association, competing in Division III. A far cry from those wild early days.
Georgia Tech: From Champions to Controversy
Georgia Tech—the Yellow Jackets—were a force in the early 1900s. They grabbed national titles in 1917 and 1928, and after joining the SEC, they kept winning under coaches William Alexander and Bobby Dodd.
Bobby Dodd’s Era
Bobby Dodd took over in 1944 and led Tech to a 31-game unbeaten streak from 1951 to 1953. Two SEC titles, a national championship in 1952—pretty impressive run.
Dodd was all about taking care of his players, which was pretty different from Alabama’s Bear Bryant, who was known for his tough-as-nails approach.
The Breaking Point
Things soured in 1961 after a controversial hit in a game against Alabama. The tension between Dodd and Bryant only got worse.
Then came the “140 rule” in 1963, capping scholarships and sparking accusations of overrecruiting. Dodd hated it, and by 1964, Georgia Tech was out of the SEC.
These days, Tech plays in the ACC. Home games are at Bobby Dodd Stadium, named for the legend himself.
Tulane: The Struggle for Balance
Tulane’s exit from the SEC is one of those great “what if” stories in college football. The Green Wave, a private school with a proud football history, hit a crossroads after a crushing loss to No. 1 Notre Dame in 1949.
President Rufus Harris decided to pull back on athletics, putting academics first—even if it meant football would take a hit.
Immediate Consequences
Harris cut scholarships and slashed salaries, and Tulane’s football program paid the price. They just couldn’t keep up in the SEC.
By the early 1960s, the program was losing about $500,000 a year. Ouch.
The Decision to Leave
In December 1964, Tulane announced it was leaving the SEC. The move became official in June 1966.
Coach Tommy O’Boyle tried to put a positive spin on it, saying Tulane could play a national schedule now. But honestly, the timing couldn’t have been worse—just before the SEC really took off financially. Makes you wonder what could’ve been.
Sewanee, Georgia Tech, and Tulane each left the SEC for their own reasons. Money, travel headaches, and even some deep-seated disagreements all played a part.
These schools still cast a long shadow over college football. If you’re curious and want to get lost in more details, check out the original article on Saturday Down South.
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