My conclusion this year is that if USC played in the SEC, then they might have had a chance to play for the title.

If you look at the schedule, can you imagine facing at least half your opponents are bowl bound because of their greatness? When you play against the best you have the possibility to turn out the very best.

If LSU had played the week after the end of the season, I wouldn't have predicted their victory. They were totally beat up from playing one good SEC team after another. They needed the break and they were healthy and shocked me with the unbelieveable power of their offense and defense. The month break allowed them to get back key players.

Like the Patriots, individually, they have set up an entire conference, that for the next few years will dominate college football, IMO.