For 12 SEC teams, an extra month (give or take) of bowl practice not only allows them to finish the season on a high note but also provides a much-needed jump-start to the future.
While Alabama needs to live in the "now" as it competes for yet another national championship under head coach Nick Saban, everybody else needs to have an eye toward 2017.
With so many four-loss teams, it isn't like the rest of the pack in the SEC has little to play for, but some positive vibes heading into the offseason would be beneficial for everybody.