Plashke:
•The reality is that Alabama's Southeastern Conference, which has won the last six BCS championships, is not the powerhouse frat of recent years.
During this bowl season, the conference's two traditional powers have been embarrassed, with Florida and Louisiana State both losing. Even the Alabama players have noticed.
(no mention of Ole Miss or aTm - then this):
Not only is the SEC down, but it turns out that Alabama's schedule was also down, the Crimson Tide playing only six bowl teams while Notre Dame played eight in a schedule that did not include Florida Atlantic or Western Carolina.
(Not mentioned - Purdue, who lost by 3, lost to Okie St, 58-14. Irish may have played 8 bowl teams but they were 3-5 while Tide's bowl opponents were 3-3, and 2 blew out opponents ND barely beat).