HOOVER, Ala. - The opinions on playing 12 games this season, like the SEC coaches themselves, vary greatly.

Although there are positives and negatives to a 12th game, perhaps South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said it best. He pointed out that men's and women's basketball teams often played four consecutive nights at the SEC tournament.

"I don't hear them... complaining that they're playing too much," said Spurrier, who has said he loves the 12th game.

Spurrier began his head coaching career in the now-defunct United States Football League, which played 18 games. He also said that Division I-A and II teams play more than 12, including the playoffs.

"I think it's easy to play 12 games," Spurrier said.

All 12 coaches were posed the question of what they think about playing an extra game permanently. The NCAA experimented with the extra game in 2003 and 2004, then reverted to an 11-game schedule in 2005 before implementing the 12th game permanently this year.

Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville has been outspoken against the 12th game, although not in the context of having to play it. Tuberville has expressed concern that the NCAA did not extend the season an extra week to fit that game in. In 2004, the calendar naturally allowed for an extra game.

Tuberville, Alabama's Mike Shula and Vanderbilt's Bobby Johnson will contend with no bye week this season. All three will have their first bye week following the conclusion of their regular season schedule.

Tuberville said the addition of the 12th game will call for adjustments throughout two-a-day practices, as well as during the week. He said he would scrimmage less in two-a-days and has shifted some of his practices to mornings.

"The 12 games stinks basically, in the way we're doing it," Tuberville said. "After about eight or nine games, mentally, it's just a drain. I understand we need it to make more money."

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BY CHRISTA TURNER