I've been quietly lurking, but have to add my 2 cents.
I will agree with the majority that from top to bottom, the SEC is probably the toughest conference out there.
Here's where my opinion differs. I think the distance between the top 3 or 4 teams in the SEC vs. the top 3 or 4 in the other conferences is quite minimal.
Since I'm a homer
, I will use Nebraska as an example. In each of the last 2 years, Nebraska has played a top tier SEC team in a bowl game. Most that follow Nebraska football will concur that these are not the glory years for the Huskers. We've stuggled immensely against good teams, while getting blown off the field a few times....
Last year, Nebraska plays Georgia (who was just seconds from playing in the national championship game...loaded with NFL talent). Nebraska leads 24-23 at the half and is tied 31-31 at the start of the 4th. Deep in Georgia territory driving to score a touchdown for the lead, Ameer fumbles, Georgia drives the other direction, scores, and game over. Scores again for a 45-31 win. Some will say Georgia had no reason to be up for this game...but if that fumble doesn't happen, an unranked Nebraska is right there at the end...against one of the elite SEC teams. The main difference that I saw is that Georgia's depth wore them down.
Two years ago, Nebraska plays "the visored one" and South Carolina. Again, one of the top SEC teams. Nebraska leads 13-9 after 1. South Carolina scores on a hail Mary to end the first 1/2 and takes a 16-13 lead. 3rd quarter is again a stalemate, but Nebraska's lack of depth again shows in the 4th and they give up 2 4th quarter touchdowns. Final of 30-13.
Maybe I'm seeing this wrong, but Nebraska was in both of these games until very close to the end...against some of the SEC's best. With a couple less turnovers in each game, there might have been a different winner.
The parity level is so high in college football right now, that I don't see that extreme of a difference between the top few teams of each conference...just a difference in the SEC from top to bottom.
Missouri has shined this year...I was one that thought it would be tough sledding for them in the SEC....been wrong so far.